Former Auburn target Julian Phillips to transfer

One of Auburn’s top targets from the 2022 recruiting class is back on the market. Tennessee’s Julian Phillips plans to enter the transfer portal, according to multiple reports.

The former five-star small forward was named to the SEC All-Freshman team last year after averaging 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-8, 198-pounder shot 41.1% from the field and 23.9% from deep, he also made 82.2% of his free throws.

He was the No. 19 overall player and No. 6 small forward in the 247Sports Composite ranking. 247Sports has made him a four-star transfer with a 96 grade.

Auburn has already landed two transfers this offseason in Denver Jones and Chaney Johnson but still has a major need at the 3 after Allen Flanigan entered the portal. They are heaving recruiting Vanderbilt transfer Tyrin Lawrence, who is in the NBA draft process.

Phillips is also testing the draft process and both players will have until May 31 to withdraw from the process.

While the portal is still open, the SEC requires players to enter the portal before May 1 if they want to transfer within the conference. If Phillips does choose Auburn he would then have to sit out a year or get an NCAA waiver.