One of Midlands’ top basketball players will transfer out of state for senior year

Julian Phillips is leaving the state of South Carolina to finish his high school basketball career.

The Blythewood High School standout will play his senior season at Link Year Prep in Branson, Missouri. Link Year has three teams, including an elite high school squad that travels and plays a national schedule. Link Year currently has 38 alums playing Division I basketball.

On Monday, Phillips announced his top 10 college targets. In-state school Clemson is in the mix, along with Alabama, Kansas, LSU, Florida State, Tennessee, UCLA, Florida, Virginia and Southern Cal.

The 6-foot-8 forward has been on the recruiting radar since his freshman year. Phillips, a two-time all-state selection, is a consensus Top 30 prospect by 247Sports Composite, ESPN and Rivals.

Phillips is a versatile forward and has improved on his shooting skills. He is a three-time all-state selection and had a big summer on the AAU circuit playing with Upward Stars.