Tennessee's Julian Phillips declares plans to enter the transfer portal

Tennessee basketball just lost a talented piece to the portal.

Julian Phillips, a five-star power forward in the 2022 cycle, has made plans to enter the transfer portal, per On3.

Phillips, who started 25 games for the Volunteers this past season, was an Auburn prospect. The Tigers offered him back in April of 2022, but Phillips chose the Vols over the Tigers in May.

In 32 games, Phillips averaged 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 41.1% from the floor and 23.9% from outside the arc. He was tabbed as a "reliable" shooter coming out of high school but struggled to score efficiently during his lone season at Tennessee. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.

Auburn looks to become an immediate player in the race for Phillips as Jaylin Williams, the Tigers' 2022 starter at power forward, has yet to announce whether or not he will be using his fifth year of eligibility to return to play for Auburn as a graduate student. Even if he does, the Tigers would love to have Phillips' athleticism on roster.

Here's what 247Sports' director of basketball scouting Jerry Meyer had to say about Phillips as a high school prospect:

"Long, lanky and athletic. Has a NBA athletic pop to him. Has a good feel for the game and a knack for coming up with the basketball. Outside shot is developing and expected to be reliable from beyond the arc. Good with the ball in the open court. Straight line driver who can deliver a pass on the move. Very effective going to his left (weak hand) and effective finishing with his left. High potential prospect who needs to gain weight and strength."

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