Barnes' newest Vol kept him in suspense

For the last several weeks, the rumor mill surrounding Julian Phillips’ college choice has been in high gear.

Through it all Phillips stayed low key and quiet. Thursday afternoon Phillips ended the suspense when he announced he was going to be a Vol.

Phillips kept it so quiet that his future head coach, Rick Barnes, didn’t know of Phillips’ decision until he made it public at his announcement.

“I didn’t tell them actually,” Phillips said. “I spoke with coach Barnes after he watched it. He was real excited.”

Phillips did speak with a Vol Thursday morning. Phillips and fellow South Carolina native Josiah James have a good relationship and it was the senior James who reached out hours before the announcement.

“Josiah texted me this morning and I texted him back. He didn’t really even ask me where I was going. He just told me good luck with everything and that he was still going to be with me regardless of where I go. I told him I appreciated that and it’s always all love.”

Phillips said the decision to keep his recruitment private wasn’t some kind of grand scheme to throw people off. It’s just who he is.

“I think that’s just the type of guy I am. I keep things that are private, private. I keep everything low key if I can. That’s how I did it the first time too.

“I knew how it was getting on social media, but I tried not to pay attention to it. I really tried to hone in on making the best decision for me for next year.”

Phillips acknowledged his decision to be a Vol didn’t come down to the last minute. It was actually made earlier this week.

“I probably knew two days ago,” Phillips said. “It was one of those things were I had to sit down with my family, my coaches and see what the best fit for me was. Ultimately, we decided it was Tennessee.”

That decision centered around a long standing relationship with the Vol staff, a couple of players and style of play.

“It made me real comfortable because I already knew coach Barnes and everybody,” Phillips said. “I had already been down there. It was good knowing that they still wanted me.

“I have a good relationship with Josiah James obviously with him being from South Carolina. I talked to BJ Edwards. I have a pretty good relationship with him as well. I met the rest of the guys on my visit and look forward to getting to know them more.”

As for the style of play, Phillips said he likes how much freedom Barnes gives his players offensively.

“Just how open their offense is. Coach Barnes does a good job getting everybody involved and let the guys go make plays. I think I will be able to knock down shots and make plays for my other teammates and myself as well,” Phillips said.