2020 Jax Magic F Michael Phillips talks expanding his game, footwork, & more
Creekside rising junior Michael Phillips is looking to re-invent, himself.
Last year, Phillips was much more of a role player, whose assignment was on-the-block, in the post. Coming off the bench, he aimed to provide energy on both ends of the floor.
Next season, he wants go into it having worked hard enough to earn a new slot.
“I want to be more of a perimeter player, not just a post. I want to work on my shooting & dribbling more, so i can be more of a 2-3,” Phillips said. “With my size, I think I can do a lot of damage.”
Phillips is around 6’-4” and has a knack for snagging offensive rebounds over most defenders. He proved that in his game with the Jacksonville Magic vs. Gainesville-Kingsmen at the Thunderstruck Invitational AAU Showcase, late last month.
When he attacks the rim, he’s nearly guaranteed to either score or draw the foul. In-transition, it only takes about three steps to get from the three-point line, to the rack.
“The main thing I’ve been working on this summer is foot speed, creating a quicker first step,” Phillips said of his summer development plan.
Phillips added that his dad has got him jumping rope on a regular basis to help with that, as well. Pops played overseas and at a Division-1 college, in his day. Although, his dad has made a career for himself using the roundball, there’s absolutely no pressure for Phillips to follow in his footsteps.
It’s all his choice.
“He’s been preparing me my whole life, but has also been saying since i was little, ‘You don’t have to play ball,’” Phillips said of his dad. “But, it’s been my passion.”
It’ll be exciting to see how that passion has grown at the top of the 2018-19 season.