Liam Phillips in action at USC Salkehatchie. Photos courtesy of @jaquantaefilmandco
IN August 2024, Liam Phillips (Jamisontown) signed a letter of intent to play for USC Salkehatchie Men’s Basketball in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
Phillips, a 6’5” (195.5cm), 165-pound (75kg) guard joined the program as the seventh Aussie to sign with Salkehatchie in the last two seasons under Head Coach Matt Lynch.
At that time, coach Lynch said, “We are really excited that Liam decided to join our program and add to the championship culture that is already in place. He is a three-level scorer that has a great feel for the game. His development over the next 365 days is something we are really excited about. As he continues to work in the weight room and every day in practice, he has an opportunity to turn himself into a really special player. He has great energy and was a ton of fun to recruit and build a relationship with. We can’t wait to get him on campus!”
“Liam is an athletic guard that can play both sides of the floor. A good awareness for the game makes him adaptable and dangerous,” said Liam’s’ long time Australian coach Goran Veg (Penrith). “He’s a mature, diligent, and responsible young man. It’s an honour and a privilege to have coached Liam, and I wish him the best in his endeavours in the States.”
Liam averaged 22 points in a tour to Texas playing against A5 and A6 high schools over 10 games. He is a NSW state champion and played in the Youth League competition for the Blacktown Storm, where he is a starter and major contributor.
Eighteen months on, Liam reflected upon his junior career and his selection to Salkehatchie.
“Growing up, I was always overlooked. Reaching puberty late caused me to continue to develop my skills before my body caught up. Due to this, I was always overlooked for top teams, state teams etc, only making my first Division One representative team for the Blacktown Storm for bottom age u18’s,” Liam said.
“This constant overlooking allowed me to develop resilience and perseverance, which has allowed me to continue to develop into my senior and collegiate career. During Covid, I finally began to grow, this added size and athleticism and allowed my game to grow tremendously, combining with my growing skill level.
“In December 2023, after graduating, I went on tour to the US with “VENOA” under Coach Goran and Coach Hala. These two coaches have helped my career tremendously, mentoring and helping me develop as an athlete and as a man daily.
“Following this, I attended another tour in May 2024, where I played AAU in Georgia which is where I played in front of my current head coach, he liked what he saw and after numerous conversations offered me a scholarship.
“College Basketball in the US is a completely different lifestyle to back home, from my surrounding environment, the style of basketball, the level of play, it’s all so different. When I first arrived there was definitely an adjustment period, missing my family and my life back home but now being my second year, I’ve adapted to all these differences.
Liam is studying for an Associates of Business Marketing degree. When he moves on to a four-year college, he’ll receive the Bachelor’s Degree.
