Between injuries, struggling young talent and lack of size, Missouri men’s basketball lacked big man depth last season. The concern of depth only grew after starter Josh Gray graduated and backup Peyton Marshall hit the transfer portal. Head coach Dennis Gates was forced to turn to the transfer portal to fill the empty void, and found a possible hidden gem in senior Shawn Phillips Jr.
The 7-foot, 245-pound big man was born in Dayton, Ohio and played high school basketball at Dream City Christian School in Glendale, Arizona. A productive career there made him the composite No. 120 prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. Phillips began his collegiate career at Louisiana State University, but played a limited role of just 7.5 minutes per game. After one season at LSU, Phillips transferred to Arizona State.
In his two seasons at Arizona State, Phillips saw a much larger role. He averaged 5.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. An even larger spike in production came in the latter half of his junior season following an injury to star forward Jayden Quaintance. Phillips started in 12 of the last 13 games, averaging 8.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 1.8 blocks. Phillips’ game had finally clicked, and the Missouri Tigers came swooping in to utilize his talents.
On offense, Phillips has a simple game. He is, for the most part, a pick-and-roll big who finishes plays around the rim. He uses his big frame to set hard screens, clear the lane for himself and guards and to be a pest on the offensive glass. Phillips has shown solid touch around the basket, but no signs of true floor spacing ability.
Phillips isn’t someone to be frequently trusted with the ball, finishing the 2025 season with a 24.2% turnover rate despite a usage rate of just 17.7%. He doesn’t have a great post-up game either. His footwork when sealing defenders on the low block isn’t bad, but lacks creativity with . Phillips also tends to look rushed when dribbling the ball on the perimeter, leading to some odd passes and shots. He has flashed some interesting passing skills, especially down the stretch of last season, but nothing that would lead to the conclusion that he can be an offensive hub.
Defensively is where the gears start to turn for Phillips. His size and athleticism alone are enough to pose a threat to anyone that crosses into the lane, but he’s also flashed enticing signs from a technical standpoint. For starters, Phillips is great in drop coverage. He’s proven effective at meeting guards off screens before quickly gliding back into position, using his length to prevent pocket passes. Phillips pairs that skill with aggression, making him a very formidable shot-blocker and glass-cleaner.
Phillips isn’t great on the perimeter, as his long strides and slow feet make it difficult for him to stick with quicker guards. Coach Gates has liked to switch one-through-five in the past, but that may not be an option with Phillips on the floor.
Overall, Phillips projects to be an impact player. He’s unlikely to put up All-American numbers, and probably won’t command the attention of draft scouts, but he will be valuable. The Tigers were in desperate need of rim protection last season, and between Phillips and redshirt freshman Trent Burns, they may have found their answers.
Edited by Killian Wright | [email protected]
Copy edited by Veronica Butler and Ava Mohror | [email protected]
Edited by Alex Gribb | [email protected]
