Top-ranked recruit in South Carolina previews official visit to Clemson

CLEMSON — Clemson basketball can finally welcome recruits back to campus with the dead period over, and the Tigers aren’t wasting any time.

Clemson is set to host the top player in the state in the class of 2022 in four-star forward Julian Phillips this weekend.

Phillips, who is ranked by 247Sports Composite as a top-30 player nationally, is taking an official visit to Clemson this weekend.

He previewed the trip with ClemsonSports.com.

“I’m very excited about it. I’m just very happy to get up there and see the coaches again,” Phillips said. “I’m excited to see the school, see the facility, see the new locker room coach told me about, see some of the players. So I’m really excited about that.”

Julian Phillips is Clemson’s top target for the class of 2022, according to a source.

The Blythewood native has enjoyed the recruiting process for the past year, despite being unable to take visits. However, he is very much looking forward to going around to campuses now that the dead period is over. That starts with visiting Clemson.

“The thing about Clemson, it’s probably one of the only schools I’ve actually gone and seen before. I went to a basketball game there before. I went to a football game before. So I have a really good relationship with all the coaches on the staff,” Phillips said. “When they told me they wanted to get me up for a visit it was kind of like a no-brainer. Of course I’m going to go up there again, get the full package with the team and stuff.”

Phillips describes himself as a versatile player who can play multiple positions and guard multiple positions. He has a high basketball IQ, can score in a variety of ways and seems to always make the right play.

In addition to Clemson, he holds offers from Ohio State, Florida State, Florida, Indiana and others. He explained to ClemsonSports.com what he’s looking for in a school.

“Just a school that I can come in my freshman year, play some good minutes, make an impact on the team. A school that can put me in a position to win. I think winning’s the most important thing playing basketball. A school that can develop my game also, though, for the next level,” Phillips said.

“My ultimate goal is to be an NBA player, so a school that can help me achieve that goal. Lastly, just a school that can set me pretty up academically as well for whenever the ball stops bouncing. There’s going to come a time where you can’t play anymore. You’ve got to fall back on your education and stuff, so a good school academically as well.”

He would likely have an opportunity to play early if he comes to Clemson as the Tigers have three forwards set to graduate after this year. Phillips would also be close to home at Clemson.

“Being close to home is not something that will stop me, but it’s definitely cool that Clemson is close to home. That’s a plus. It’s not that far from my family,” he said.