Tennessee Basketball: What is going on with Vols forward Julian Phillips
Tennessee Vols forward Julian Phillips might be back at UT this fall. Or he might be playing in the NBA…or he might transfer. In other words, there are several options for Phillips on the table. Phillips, a former five-star recruit with NBA talent, played in 32 games as a true freshman for the Vols last […]
Tennessee Vols forward Julian Phillips might be back at UT this fall.
Or he might be playing in the NBA…or he might transfer.
In other words, there are several options for Phillips on the table.
Phillips, a former five-star recruit with NBA talent, played in 32 games as a true freshman for the Vols last season, averaging 8.3 points per game and 4.7 rebounds per game.
On Wednesday, news broke that Phillips is planning to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
This news doesn't automatically mean that Phillips is leaving Knoxville to play elsewhere next season. News also broke this week that Phillips received an invite to the NBA draft combine, which means going pro is very much an option for the South Carolina native.
Rick Barnes was asked about Phillips last week and the Tennessee head coach mentioned that the young forward is going through the NBA draft process.
From 247Sports: "Both Josiah(-Jordan James) and Julian (Phillips) are going through the NBA (Draft) process," Barnes said. "That's what they have to do and it's a process they have to go through. They're certainly training for it. We want what's best for them. That's just a process they have to go through."
Essentially, it feels like Phillips doesn't really know what he's going to do next season. And he's keeping all of his options open before making a decision (likely based on what happens in the next couple of weeks). If Phillips has a solid combine performance and gets a decent draft grade back, then I would bet he'll be on his way to the NBA.
Phillips, however, might feel like he can improve his draft stock by returning to college for one more season. Unlike former Vols guard Kennedy Chandler a year ago, Phillips could return to college and boost his stock with a solid season (Chandler's lack of height basically put a ceiling on his draft stock).
At that point, Phillips would need to decide if Tennessee is the best place for him to improve his draft stock or if he'd fare better at another program.
For now, I'd lean toward Phillips either going to the NBA or transferring. The door is open for a return to Knoxville, but it seems unlikely that the talented forward will be back in Orange and White this fall.
