DETROIT MERCY

Rashad Phillips 5'10 160 G

HISTORY:

1999-2000: Detroit's Little Big Man was named 2000 MCC Player of the Year, duplicating the title he received in the pre-season from MCC coaches and media. He was also named all-conference and to the MCC's All-Tournament Team for a second straight year. Phillips was also named first-team All-District 11 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Phillips became just the second player ever to lead the MCC in scoring and assists in the same season. His 735 points were the third-highest one-year total in Detroit history, and his 169 assists rank him fifth within the school single-season leaders. Finished sixth in the nation in scoring, and was also 14th in free throw accuracy (.870) and 15th in three-pointers made per game (3.2). Had four games over 30 points, with a career-high of 34 against both Georgia State and Loyola.

1998-1999: Was named MVP of the 1999 MCC Tournament after averaging 16.7 points, 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds in the Titans' three tourney victories. Was also named all-tournament after Detroit captured the Sun Classic in El Paso.

1997-1998: Named 1998 MCC Newcomer of the Year. Though he didn't start a single game, Phillips was still fourth on the Titans in scoring, second in assists and first in steals. Made a name for himself early by winning the MVP award at the 1997 Iowa State Holiday Classic. Posted 23 points and six rebounds in Detroit's championship game victory over host Iowa State.

High School: Enjoyed an excellent senior season at Ferndale where he was selected second-team Class A All-State by the Detroit Free Press, and third-team All-State by the Detroit News. Also, was ninth in the balloting for the 1996 Michigan "Mr. Basketball" Award. Additionally, he was a second-team All-Metro choice of both the Free Press and News, and was The Daily Tribune's All-Area Player of the Year. Averaged 25.2 points a game as a senior, while also contributing 7.4 assists and 4.0 steals. He tied the school scoring record of 43 points in the 1996 District Final game against nationally-ranked Detroit Pershing. Phillips also set the school record for three-point baskets in a season with 83. Scored 11 points and had eight assists in the 1996 Magic Johnson Roundball Classic, earning West MVP honors after leading his team to a win over the East All-Stars.

EVALUATION:

After watching Phillips play it is hard not to come away from it without comparing him to Philadelphia 76er, Allen Iverson. Phillips goes to the basket well and has one of the quickest releases on his jumpshot of anyone in the country. Though overlooked coming out of high school he may not be overlooked coming out of college. He may get a look in an NBA camp, but more than likely will play in the IBL, IBA, ABA 2000, or overseas. However, it is not out of the question for him to go someplace and play for a few years and come back and end up playing in the NBA. Phillips is without a doubt one of the most exciting players in the country to watch, and one of the bast things about his game is that he lets the game come to him. That is what makes him such a great player.