NCAA Basketball: Analyzing 7 early contender for Tennessee transfer Julian Phillips

Auburn Tigers

In the first go-around for Phillips, Auburn was viewed as a runner-up for him. With starting wing Allen Flanigan having transferred out, there’s potential for the team to bring him in and have a large role. They have brought in D-II wing transfer Denver Jones and former JUCO forward Chad Baker-Mazara just in case but Phillips has the higher ceiling when it comes to being a combo forward.

The thing that could prevent this pairing is the current SEC role that doesn’t allow immediate eligibility for non-grad transfers. Barring something surprising, it’s hard to see Phillips getting a waiver to play. And the risk of having to sit out a year likely will take Auburn out of the mix.

Cinncinati Bearcats

The Bearcats landed two frontcourt players so far in Jamile Reynolds and Aziz Bandaogo but both of them are two-time transfers and need waivers in order to play next season. And while they do have Kentucky transfer CJ Fredrick and former Butler guard Simas Lukosius, there’s still a need on the wings.

Cincy is heading to the Big 12 and needs as much talent as possible to compete in Year 1. And without knowing the status of the two frontcourt pickups, this is a shot for Phillips to come in and play a large role in the offense next season.