KNOXVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Volunteers received some exciting news on Tuesday, as one of the top prospects in the 2026 class, five-star small forward, Julian Phillips, announced that he is considering the Vols as one of his top choices.
Phillips, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the 2026 class, is in dire need of a new home after his previous commitment to LSU fell through due to the Tigers’ coaching change.
The 6-foot-7 small forward from Blythewood, South Carolina, is a versatile scorer who can play both inside and outside. He is known for his athleticism, length, and scoring ability, which makes him a highly coveted prospect among college basketball programs.
Phillips’ recruitment has been highly publicized, with several top programs vying for his commitment. However, it appears that Tennessee has emerged as a serious contender for his services.
“Julian is an incredible talent, and we’re thrilled to be in the mix for his commitment,” said Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes. “We believe our program offers him the perfect opportunity to develop his skills and compete at the highest level.”
Phillips’ interest in Tennessee is not surprising, given the Vols’ success on the court in recent years. The program has a strong reputation for developing talented players, and Phillips is likely drawn to the team’s fast-paced, aggressive style of play.
“Tennessee’s style of play really appeals to me,” Phillips said in a recent interview. “I love the way they push the ball up the court and attack the rim. I think my skills would be a great fit for their system.”
While Phillips has not yet made an official visit to Tennessee, he is expected to do so in the coming weeks. The Vols’ coaching staff has been in regular contact with Phillips, and they are confident that they can make a strong impression on him during his visit.
“We’re excited to have Julian on campus soon,” Barnes said. “We believe our program offers him a unique opportunity to succeed, and we’re looking forward to showing him what we’re all about.”
The addition of Phillips would be a major coup for Tennessee, which is looking to build on its success from last season. The Vols have already secured commitments from several top prospects in the 2026 class, and the addition of Phillips would give them one of the most talented recruiting classes in the country.
_Tennessee Volunteers Basketball:_
– Record: 22-4 (11-2 SEC)
– Ranking: #5 in the latest AP Poll
– Next game: at LSU (Wednesday, 9:00 PM ET)
_Julian Phillips:_
– Five-star small forward from Blythewood, South Carolina
– Ranked as one of the top prospects in the 2026 class
– Considering Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina among his top choices
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