By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Another former Golden Eagle and member of the 2017-18 Tennessee Tech men's basketball team has taken the next step in his professional career, as Curtis Phillips Jr. was taken in the third round of the 2018 NBA G League Draft Saturday afternoon.
A native of Memphis and former star at White Station High School, Phillips Jr. was selected with the sixth pick of the third round by the Memphis Hustle and will immediately report to the team's training camp, which begins Tuesday, Oct. 2.
"This is a great opportunity for Curt and we couldn't be happier for him," Tech head coach Steve Payne said. "Curt really grew both as a scorer and defender in his time here and it shows with his postseason honor from the OVC and now this chance to play at the next level. We wish him the absolute best of luck and can't wait to see his professional career unfold."
A second-semester transfer from Campbell during the 2015-16 season, Phillips Jr. sat out the Golden Eagles' first 10 games of the 2016-17 campaign due to NCAA rules. He quickly made an impact, scoring nine points on 4-for-6 shooting in his Tech debut on the road at Michigan State.
The then-junior played in total of 22 games his first season in Cookeville, starting the final eight contests while averaging 8.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.
Returning as a senior, Phillips Jr. turned up the heat for the 2017-18 season, making 30 starts in 33 games of action while leading the Golden Eagles in scoring, free throws, 3-pointers and steals. Averaging a team-high 14.3 points, as well as 5.2 rebounds per game, he earned a place on the All-OVC Second Team.
The G League affiliate of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, the Hustle begin the 2018-19 season Saturday, Nov. 3 on the road against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in Edinburg, Texas.
Photos by Tony Marable