NBA Mock Draft: Ranking 11 best draft prospects in NCAA’s Sweet 16

10. Julian Phillips, Tennessee

A prospect that could make a rise up NBA Draft boards once the pre-draft workouts begin is Julian Phillips. Based on a simple athletic standpoint, Phillips is one prospect that many NBA scouts will likely end up falling in love with. He has the look, size, and athleticism that he should be ranked high on draft boards. However, because of his slow-developing offensive game, there’s no guarantee that Phillips will be a first-round pick or one that he will even declare for this year’s NBA Draft.

Nevertheless, Phillips is a player to watch when you’re watching Tennessee this weekend. During his freshman season, Philips averaged nine points and five rebounds on 42 percent shooting from the field. He struggles mightily on the offensive end as a shooter and shot creator. And that is likely the biggest thing that is holding him back as a prospect.

That said, he does have the potential to be a great defender at the next level and somewhat of an impactful slasher. In the new NBA of a more perimeter-oriented game, I simply don’t see how Phillips can be an impactful player right away. He’s more of a project if taken in this year’s NBA Draft.