TEMPE – Arizona State men’s basketball continue its high turnover this offseason with the announcement of senior center Shawn Phillips Jr. leaving the Valley and heading to the SEC. The seven-footer will joining the Mizzou Tigers for his final year of eligibility to join Dennis Gates and his staff in Columbia.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Jan 28, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils center Shawn Phillips Jr. (9) calls out in the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Joe Tipton announcing Phillips Jr. going from Arizona State to Mizzou:
Phillips Jr. played two seasons at Arizona State, including his junior season where he came off the bench to average 5.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.1 blocks per game. The transfer to the Tigers is his return to the SEC, playing his freshman year with different type of Tigers at LSU.
Mar 8, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils center Shawn Phillips Jr. (9) shoots the ball during the second half at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
When he first arrived in Tempe, head coach Bobby Hurley called Phillips Jr. the “most gifted” frontcourt player the Sun Devil coach has ever seen. The departure of the senior big man is just another addition to the long list of Arizona State players to leave this offseason, after an atrocious season for the program.
Hurley went to the transfer portal to try and recoup his losses with talented players from mid-major schools. However, losing experienced players like Phillips Jr., who understood the Sun Devils culture, is a massive blow to Arizona State.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
