A few weeks ago, Julian Phillips was one of many to have entered the transfer portal, right before the deadline for non-graduate NCAA Basketball players to enter without needing a waiver to play the following season. He’s a former five-star prospect that played this past season at Tennessee.
The 6’8 combo forward averaged 8.3 ppg and 4.7 rpg as a freshman, making 41% of his shots from the field and 24% from the three-point line. Phillips had five games of at least 15 points, including a season-high 25 points against USC.
One of the more athletic and versatile players in the sport, Phillips has also entered the NBA Draft process. The deadline is on May 31st and there’s a chance that he stays but if not, look for him to become a priority target.
I'm told Memphis, Cincinnati, Texas, Arizona, Auburn, K-State and Kentucky are among the schools on this massive list worth monitoring closely.
— Rob Cassidy (@Cassidy_Rob) May 25, 2023
Things obviously will change because recruiting, but early schools to watch are early schools to watch. https://t.co/7nK9iUJIbG
Among the dozens of potential options, these are the reported seven programs that are making the biggest push. And it makes sense since all of them have needs at the forward position. Based on that info, here’s a look at how he’d potentially fit with each of them.
Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats found its starting power forward in Keshad Johnson, a starter at San Diego State this past season. They could still use some more depth, especially at the wing. Pelle Larsson is projected to start there but without much depth in the backcourt, he’s going to need to play at the 1 and 2 spots as well.
Adding Phillips to the lineup would certainly make them one of the best defensive units in all of NCAA Basketball. But having another sub-30% three-pointer with two others (Johnson and Jaden Bradley) along with center Oumar Ballo would be a nightmare offensive lineup as well. It just doesn’t seem like an ideal fit.