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ASU lands LSU F Shawn Phillips from transfer portal

ASU got its second commitment from an LSU player this offseason, landing Tigers' big man Shawn Phillips. © Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

Bobby Hurley and ASU picked up their fifth transfer portal addition of the offseason Tuesday, as LSU forward Shawn Phillips committed to the Sun Devils after just one season with the Tigers. 

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Phillips, originally from Dayton, Ohio, played his high school basketball in Arizona at Dream City Christian, where he averaged 15.9 points, 14.7 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game. He was ranked as a four-star prospect out of high school before committing to LSU.

He played in 20 games for the Tigers, averaging 1.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 7.4 minutes per game. His best performance came late in the season in the SEC Tournament (March 8) when he had a double-double against Georgia, recording 13 points, 10 boards and two blocks in 25 minutes.

Phillips is listed at 7 feet tall and 245 pounds. He is a great athlete for his size and known for being a great rim protector and rebounder. He also can finish strong around the rim.

Hurley confirmed the news with his signature tweet. 

Phillips fills a need for the Sun Devils at the five position, and he could have the opportunity for some major minutes if Warren Washington decides to keep his name in the NBA Draft and not return to ASU.

ASU Roster Tracker (Main Pieces from End of Last Season)

Players gained from the portal (5): F Shawn Phillips (LSU), F Zane Meeks (USF), G Adam Miller (LSU), F Kamari Lands (Louisville), G Malachi Davis (Tallahassee CC)

Players lost to the portal (6): G Austin Nunez (Ole Miss), F Devan Cambridge (Oregon), F Duke Brennan (GCU), G Malcolm Flaggs (GCU), G DJ Horne (NC State), F/C Enoch Boakye (Fresno State)

Players lost to eligibility (2): G Desmond Cambridge Jr., G Luther Muhammad

Players with names in NBA Draft (option to return) (2): G Frankie Collins, F/C Warren Washington

Unannounced players (1): F Alonzo Gaffney

Returning players (1): G/F Jamiya Neal (removed name from portal)

Incoming freshmen (2): Four-star G Braelon Green (CA), four-star PF Akil Watson (NJ)

My Predicted Rotation As of Now

1. Frankie Collins, Braelon Green

2. Adam Miller, Malachi Davis

3. Jamiya Neal

4. Alonzo Gaffney, Kamari Lands, Akil Watson

5. Warren Washington, Zane Meeks, Shawn Phillips

The Sun Devils can mix up these positions, as we saw them do several times last season. They appear to be set on big men, but could look for a starting-caliber center should Washington not return, but there is some speculation that he will. They like to play a lot of three-guard lineups, so there is a role for all of the guards on the team right now, but they could use a backup point guard (not sure what Green’s role will be) and small forward. Despite all of the departures, Hurley has done a terrific job of retooling the roster, going out and getting players from the transfer portal that fit ASU perfectly and have either proven themselves with experience or are young but were highly-rated recruits out of high school. Depth was a huge key for ASU’s success last season, and the Sun Devils will have it once again next season. Having what could be 11 quality players that make up the roster as of right now is a huge achievement that shouldn’t be overlooked, as Hurley said he wanted the roster to be complete by early May.

ASU PG Austin Nunez to transfer to Ole Miss

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Brendan Mau is a college sports insider and general assignment reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on twitter via @Brendan_Mau

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