Alabama Crimson Tide
The Tide has had some bad luck when it comes to the forward position this offseason. They had lost Wichita State transfer commit Jaykwon Walton due to an offseason arrest, while also recently missing out on Wofford target, BJ Mack, to South Carolina. And remember, both All-American starting wing Bradon Miller and freshman forward Noah Clowney are off to the NBA Draft.
Unless Alabama is comfortable giving big minutes to incoming freshmen, Mouhamed Dioubate and Sam Walters, they’re in need of a forward that can play positions. They’re familiar with Phillips from this past season and he has the potential to be a breakout star for them. They could be a very viable option, along with its rival.
Auburn Tigers
Auburn was close to landing Phillips in the first recruitment but lost to another SEC program. They still could use him to help improve the offense down low. They still don’t know whether or not Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams are back for another year and while D-II transfer Chaney Johnson has potential, he might not be ready to start on the wing.
The Tigers have been in the mix for other wings in the portal so far including Devan Cambridge and Matthew Cleveland. This is the best chance they have to land a starter there and Phillips, though not the best shooter, fits them on defense and helps navigate the other frontcourt decisions no matter what happens.