NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top-30 forward Julian Phillips top 10 teams
USC Trojans
The one major selling point the Trojans have on the recruiting trail is the back-to-back top-10 draft picks of Evan Mobley and Onyeka Okongwu. Phillips himself may not be a surefire one-and-done prospect but he’d get plenty of playing time earlier on, assuming that Isaiah Mobley is gone after next season. They have three-star stretch forward Harrison Hornery on board but Phillips would certainly play over him.
The issue USC will have is being able to get the recruit to come out west. And even if he does, the Bruins could offer a potential starting spot as well, while having a stronger projected roster overall in comparison. There likely are more realisitc options for the program without having to compete with UCLA and the SEC programs for the Trojans but don’t be surprised if they find another top-tier prospect to headline their 2022 class.
Virginia Cavaliers
After losing Sam Hauser, the Cavaliers were able to bring in ECU transfer Jayden Gardner for the upcoming season. He very well could be around for just one year, giving a need for a power forward in the 2022 class that is capable of playing early.
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Phillips is a good enough defender to play in head coach Tony Bennett’s system and can develop into an All-ACC caliber of player. But the offensive style isn’t the most appealing for players trying to get to the NBA. Virginia has been a top-tier national program and has four-star guard Isaac McKneely already apart of the 2022 class. Phillips would be a great replacement for Gardner at the four-spot but it’s hard to imagine he doesn’t end up in the SEC.