Tennessee men’s basketball head coach Rick Barnes said this week that freshman Julian Phillips has declared for the 2023 NBA draft with the option to return to school.
Phillips was named to the SEC All-Freshman team after averaging 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists on 41.1% shooting from the field in 32 games. He scored in double figures 13 times, including a season-high 25 points on Nov. 24 versus USC.
The 6-foot-8 forward entered the season with high expectations and was projected to be a potential first-round pick. However, he didn’t quite live up to that level and is now a possible second-rounder after an inconsistent year.
Teammate Josiah-Jordan James is also testing the pre-draft process.
Phillips will have the opportunity to work out and interview with teams to gain feedback on his potential draft stock. However, he appears to be a candidate to return to school for at least another year to continue his development.
He will have until May 31 to withdraw from the draft and return to school.
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