Kansas basketball: 3 names to watch before the NBA Draft deadline

Kansas basketball: 3 names to watch before the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 10: Julian Phillips #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers drives towards the basket against the Missouri Tigers in the first half during the quarterfinals of the 2023 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 10, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

Julian Phillips #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images) /

3. Julian Phillips

2022-23 season stats (Tennessee): 8.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 41.1% FG, 23.9% 3PT

Phillips served as a freshman for the Tennessee Volunteers this past season. He is a 6-foot-8 forward that controls the paint from both ends of the floor.

In 32 games played in 2022-23, he averaged 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. Considering he only played 24.1 minutes per contest, it’s safe to say he’s capable of making an immediate impact. The SEC All-Freshman team member could provide vital minutes for Kansas.

247 Sports reported that Phillips was “leaning towards staying in the NBA Draft” three days ago. It’s becoming more and more likely that he does not return to college ball, as he impressed scouts with his terrific Draft Combine performance.

Fans should not entirely write off Phillips transferring to Kansas, as there has reportedly been some contact between the two parties. He’s an uber-athletic forward with tons of potential, but it’s difficult to see why Bill Self would recruit him over KJ Adams, who proved he could hold it down last season.

Home/Kansas Jayhawks Basketball