Report: Julian Phillips makes NBA Draft decision

Tennessee basketball five-star freshman wing Julian Phillips is keeping his name in the 2023 NBA Draft, according to a report on Wednesday from ESPN NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony. Phillips on May 10 entered his name in the NCAA Transfer Portal.

“Phillips has received positive feedback from NBA teams after a strong pre-draft process,” Givony wrote, noting that Phillips is ranked No. 34 overall in ESPN’s drafting rankings.

Freshman point guard BJ Edwards entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and committed signed with SMU. Josiah-Jordan James on Wednesday announced he’s returning to Tennessee for a fifth year.

Senior forward Olivier Nkamhoua is also in the portal, entering his name on March 30. He’s currently going through the pre-draft process while also reportedly being recruited by Baylor, Michigan and West Virginia.

Rick Barnes said recently that Nkamhoua’s “No. 1 objective” was to play professional basketball next season.

“Olivier has told us day one that his No. 1 objective is to be a pro basketball player,” Barnes told reporters at the during the Big Orange Caravan. “He has told us that is his pursuit.” 

“He told us that his dad wanted him to put his name in the portal, which is a decision they have to make,” Barnes added. “From day one, our conversation with him has been that his ultimate goal was to try and put himself in a position to be a professional athlete next year.”

Tennessee’s 2023-24 roster currently stands at 13 scholarship players, along with James and the three additions from the NCAA Transfer Portal in USC Upstate guard Jordan Gainey along with Harvard forward Chris Ledlum and Northern Colorado wing Dalton Knecht.

Julian Phillips’ Freshman Season: 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds in 24.0 minutes per game

After Tennessee’s loss to Florida Atlantic in the Sweet 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York in March, Phillips said he was still undecided on what was next in his basketball career.

“I am still processing the end of the season, this game especially,” Phillips said. “Just being here with my team and being here with my brothers, this is really tough. Everything in the future, we can sit down and figure that out later when we get away from here.”

Phillips averaged 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds in 24.0 minutes per game during his freshman season, starting 25 times in 32 games, missing four games due to a hip injury in February. He shot 41.1 percent from the field but just 23.9 percent from the 3-point line. He led Tennessee in free throws made (97) and attempted (150) and was fourth in rebounding (150).

He flashed brilliance at times, like scoring 25 points against USC in November in the Bahamas or the 18 points and 11 rebounds he had at Mississippi State in January, but more often he failed to get going.

“I definitely wish I could have played better,” Phillips said. “I know the type of player I am. I know the work I put in. I have to get back in the gym, get my game right.” 

The Athletic, ESPN split on Julian Phillips’ draft ranking

Phillips was scoreless in 12 minutes against Florida Atlantic in the Sweet Sixteen, taking just two shots and grabbing just one rebound. He had only four points and four rebounds in 45 minutes over three NCAA Tournament games.

He scored in double-figures 13 times, but only three times over his final 13 games.

The Athletic in March had Phillips at No. 18 on their ranking of the top 100 prospects available in the upcoming draft. ESPN, on the other hand, had Phillips at No. 55 overall, ranked No. 13 among small forwards.

He climbed to No. 34 in ESPN’s ranking after going through draft workouts. He’s now No. 8 among small forwards.

“I learned a lot this year,” Phillips said. “I learned a lot about myself. Just being here was a blessing for me. I am thankful for everything coach (Rick) Barnes taught me this year.”