Busting Brackets
Fansided

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

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 24, 2022; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Tennessee Volunteers forward Julian Phillips (2) reacts after scoring during the first half against the USC Trojans at Imperial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2022; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Tennessee Volunteers forward Julian Phillips (2) reacts after scoring during the first half against the USC Trojans at Imperial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
NCAA Basketball
NCAA Basketball Keyontae Johnson #11 of the Kansas State Wildcats (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

Kansas State Wildcats

The big decision that the program is waiting on is star forward, Keyontae Johnson. He’s in the NBA Draft process and reportedly has been cleared by medical to play in the league. So if he stays in, the Wildcats have no one really to replace him, outside of maybe David N’Guessan.

This is a spot where Phillips would not only have a larger role on offense but also play in a system that can maximize his strengths. Plus, he can improve Kansas State on the defensive end if they’re not going to be an elite offensive unit. He and North Texas transfer Tylor Perry would be a solid duo, at least on defense in the Big 12.

Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky is in the same situation as Auburn when it comes to the SEC transfer rule so it’s already a possible moot point. But they’re definitely desperate as a program because they haven’t landed anyone this offseason and have a trio of players still in the NBA Draft process.

That includes freshman Chris Livingston, who started at the four-spot this past season. He’s reportedly likely to stay in the draft and Phillips would be a good replacement. He wouldn’t take a ton of usage on the team and if Oscar Tshiebwe comes back, that would be an elite defensive frontcourt.

Home/NCAA Basketball News