Five-star forward Julian Phillips commits to Tennessee | Zagsblog
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Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
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Friday / March 29.
  • Five-star forward Julian Phillips commits to Tennessee

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    By ADAM ZAGORIA

    Julian Phillips, the 6-foot-8 five-star power forward from Link Academy (MO), is headed to Tennessee.

    The former LSU pledge is ranked the No. 3 power forward and the No. 18 overall player in the Class of 2022 by 247Sports.com. He also considered Auburn, Florida State, South Carolina, Southern Cal, G League Ignite and Overtime Elite, but ultimately chose the Vols and head coach Rick Barnes.

    “Rick Barnes has a history with great wings,” Phillips said during his decision on CBS Sports HQ. “Coach Barnes is a great coach overall. I have a great relationship with him, and he talks to me about lots of things, basketball and non-basketball related.”

    He initially committed to LSU in October, and then changed course when Will Wade was fired in March.

    “For us, [Phillips] is starting for us at the two so he’s a 6-8 two guard,” Link Year Prep coach Rodney Perry said by phone. “He’s really a big guard that can handle it, shoot it, pass it, he’s long, athletic and can defend and rebound.”

    Perry said Phillips reminds him of a young Tracy McGrady or Trevor Ariza, while Phillips compared himself to Jayson Tatum and Paul George.

    “He’s a type of player that can really do a lot of things and has the size and athleticism to make plays on both ends of the floor,” Perry said. Asked if he’s a one-and-done type talent, Perry said, “Without a doubt.”

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    Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle. A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.

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