Former Tennessee basketball forward Julian Phillips talks with Rick Barnes on a return to campus. (Photo via @Vol_Hoops on X)

It’s a star-studded weekend in Knoxville with Tennessee football hosting Georgia for a top-15 matchup on Saturday. One of the alums making their way back to campus is former Vols basketball one-and-done Julian Phillips.

Phillips played for Rick Barnes’ Tennessee program in the 2022-23 season. He played in 32 games and started 25 as a true freshman. In this time, he posted 8.3 points per game on 41.1% shooting from the field and 23.9% on 3-pointers. He also contributed 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.

After his lone season, Phillips entered the 2023 NBA Draft and was picked in the second round with the No. 35 overall pick by the Chicago Bulls. Since being drafted, he’s split time between the NBA squad and the organization’s G-League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls. In the NBA this past season, he averaged 4.6 points and 2.1 rebounds.

As a recruit, Phillips was a five-star recruit, according to 247. He was the No. 19 player in the class, No. 6 small forward and No. 1 player out of Missouri.

home for the weekend 🧡@ju1ianphillips pic.twitter.com/Np6IfMH0B0

— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) September 12, 2025

More From RTI: Tennessee Basketball Hosting Pair of Top 50 Recruits On Official Visits This Weekend

This aligns with a big day on campus. Tennessee football isn’t just hosting any other football game; it’s a top-15 matchup with all eyes on this game this weekend. ESPN’s College GameDay will be on campus, airing the morning of the game, and John Henderson will be recognized for being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

There will also be plenty of recruits on campus. Tennessee football and Josh Heupel will welcome in a good number of 2026 commits, along with upcoming targets in the 2027 and 2028 classes.

On the hardwood, Barnes has two top-50 prospects in Knoxville for official visits. Both four-star power forward Latrell Allmond and four-star wing Ralph Scott are in town this weekend.

The Lady Vols basketball program is also hosting five-star power forwards Oliviyah Edwards and Bri Crittendon for official visits and Eve Long for an unofficial.