Gamecocks make final cut for coveted in-state basketball recruit Julian Phillips
South Carolina didn’t make the final cut the first time Julian Phillips announced his college choice, but the Gamecocks made it the second time around.
The Gamecocks are in the final seven options the Blythewood product released this past week. The others are Auburn, Florida State, Southern Cal and Tennessee, and professional options G-League Ignite and Overtime. Phillips will announce his decision on Thursday.
247Sports reported the announcement would come at noon Thursday via CBSSportsHQ.
This is the second high-profile, in-state prospect the Gamecocks made the final list with recently. USC was one of the final choices for Ridge View High’s GG Jackson, who announced last week he was headed to North Carolina.
Phillips signed with LSU in November but asked out of his letter of intent shortly after LSU coach Will Wade was fired March 12.
Phillips, a five-star prospect, took an official visit to Auburn on April 25-26. He also took an unofficial visit with new Gamecocks coach Lamont Paris and South Carolina last month.
247Sports Composite, Rivals and ESPN rank the 6-foot-8 Phillips as a top-15 national prospect for the Class of 2022.
“I like how smooth he is. He is a true wing player,” ESPN high school analyst Paul Biancardi told The State. “Not tied into the wing will post up. Got that triple threat game. He has athleticism and coordination and foot work that is beautiful.”
Phillips was a McDonald’s All-American and selected to play in the Jordan Brand Classic this year.
Phillips played his first three years at Blythewood High School, was a three-time all-state selection and played AAU for Upward Stars. He played his senior season at Link Year in Branson, Missouri.
Phillips was part of a talented Link Year team that finished 34-2 and made it to the championship game of the Geico Nationals championship.
This story was originally published May 4, 2022 at 5:04 PM.
