REPORT: Julian Phillips Leaning Towards NBA Route

Former Tennessee Volunteers Forward Julian Phillips is reportedly considering to opt for the NBA ranks after entering the transfer portal.

One thing that Tennessee has done very well over the past couple of seasons is to find a good mix between veterans that are proven college players and freshmen with NBA potential. With the latest Julian Phillips news, it seems more likely than not that the Vols churn out yet another one and done.

According to an article from 247Sports' Travis Branham, Julian Phillips is "leaning towards staying in the draft." Branham cites "a strong combine" as the reason Phillips is leaning towards staying in. In addition to a strong freshman season, Phillips had the combine's best max-vertical jump at 43 inches and best standing vertical at 35 inches.

This past season, Phillips, as just a freshman, established himself as one of the best defenders in college basketball. We knew that his ability to guard both in the paint and on the perimeter at 6'8 would bode well for him as a prospect. The upside of Phillips' game with his defensive floor has always been there. If Phillips weren't to go to the draft, he entered the transfer portal, so taking visits and staying in college is still an option. At this point, however, returning to Knoxville seems out of the realm of possibility.

Tennessee transfer Julian Phillips has heard from the following schools, source told ESPN: pic.twitter.com/VDLse99OKI

— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) May 25, 2023

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