NCAA Basketball: Analyzing 7 early contender for Tennessee transfer Julian Phillips
Memphis Tigers
The frontcourt situation for the Tigers is a bit dire, as the only veteran options are Temple transfer Nick Jourdain and Chandler Lawson. While Philips wouldn’t solve the issue with the lack of a center, he would start for the AAC team and could thrive at that level.
Plus, having both Phillips and transfer Teafale Lenard Jr. would give Memphis an incredible pair of wing defenders. Since the team doesn’t have both Kendric Davis and Deandre Williams, they’ll have to win more low-scoring games next season. Having the former Vol in the mix would help that.
Texas Longhorns
The Longhorns have landed four transfers so far, one at just about each position. The wing is where they’re currently empty, assuming that five-star freshman Dillon Mitchell remains in the NBA Draft. They’re reportedly looking at Caleb Love but as a 6’4 ball-handler, that may not be the ideal fit.
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I’d argue that Phillips is better on the wing. He, along with Dylan Disu and Kadin Shedrick would be a quality frontcourt on both ends. The only concern would be how large of a role on offense the former Vol would get since guards Tyrese Hunter and Oral Roberts transfer Max Abmas are going to command a ton of shots in the backcourt.