Julian Phillips, a 6-7 forward from South Carolina who attended a Missouri prep school last season, became the final five-star chip to fall Thursday when he announced he would attend Tennessee.
Phillips was the 12th-rated player and the #4 small forward in the 2022 recruiting class, according to 24/7 Sports.
He chose the Volunteers over Auburn, Clemson and Florida State, becoming the fourth McDonald’s All-American ever to cast his lot with the Vols. Previously from Blythewood, S.C., he played last season with Link Academy prep school in Branson, Mo.
“Coach (Rick) Barnes, he’s just a great guy overall, I have a great relationship with him. We talk about a lot of things non-basketball-related,” Phillips said in making his announcement on CBS Sports HQ. “… I’ll be happy to play under him.”
Phillips had originally signed a letter of intent with LSU, but when coach Will Wade was fired in March amid allegations of NCAA violations, Phillips was released from his commitment.
With all 28 of the five-star recruits committed from the 24/7 rankings, Duke landed four and Arkansas three. Alabama, Kansas, Texas, Indiana, UCLA and Kentucky each scored two apiece.