Tennessee basketball recruiting: Five-star PF Julian Phillips commits to Volunteers on CBS Sports HQ
Thu, May 12, 2022
NCAAB News (AP)
Julian Phillips, the top remaining uncommitted prospect from basketball's 2022 recruiting class, made his college commitment Thursday, choosing Tennessee from a group of finalists that included Auburn, Florida State, South Carolina and USC. Phillips also considered' collegiate alternative programs Overtime Elite and G League Ignite.'
Phillips came in at No. 18 in the final Class of 2022''rankings released by 247Sports on Wednesday. He is ranked even higher by the 247Sports Composite, which slots Phillips as the No. 12 overall player and No. 4 small forward in the class. The 6-foot-8 wing from Blythewood, South Carolina, was committed to LSU before the Tigers parted with coach Will Wade after receiving a Notice of Allegations over multiple Level I NCAA violations. The school released Phillips from a signed letter of intent shortly after its decision to part with the controversial coach in March
Though he's from South Carolina, Phillips played his last season of high school basketball at Link Academy in Branson, Missouri. Aside from his five-star prospect billing, Phillips also holds the distinction of being named a McDonald's All-American. He is regarded as one of top long-term prospects in the class by 247Sports director of scouting Adam Finkelstein.
Here is a further evaluation of Phillips from a recent piece by Finkelstein:
While most credible evaluators agree that'Julian Phillips'is one of the top prospects in the class, within the range, it is appropriate that there is a fairly diverse set of opinions. It all depends on your criteria, because his potential still exceeds his production. However, that potential is vast. He has positional size, skill, athleticism, and extreme fluidity. He shoots a soft ball and has all the physical tools necessary to be a competent defender. But, he's not close to a finished product yet. There are still too many games that end without him making his mark in a manner consistent with his abilities.
