Shawn ‘Baby Shaq’ Phillips, a 4-star 7-footer, has signed to play at LSU next season as new coach Matt McMahon continues to build his roster, the school announced.

Phillips played this past season for Dream City Christian in Glendale, Arizona. The native of Dayton, Ohio is the No. 20 center in the class of 2023, according to the 247Sports Composite.

Phillips was named the defensive Player of the Year by The Grind Session, which is a winter circuit of elite high school basketball events to prepare players for the next chapter of their basketball careers. He averaged 15.9 points, 14.7 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game for Dream City.

“We are excited to welcome 7-foot forward Shawn Phillips to the LSU family,” McMahon said. “Shawn is a physical, tough, and competitive addition to our front court. He is a shot-blocking rim protector and active rebounder on the defensive end of the court. With his size and mobility, he is a strong finisher around the rim. We love the development in his game over the last two years and look forward to coaching him in Baton Rouge.”

Phillips played at Ypsi Prep at Ypsilanti, Michigan in 2021 and Belmont High in his hometown of Dayton prior to that. Phillips joins prep signees Tyrell Ward of DeMatha Catholic, Jalen Reed of Southern California Academy and Corneilous Williams of Combine Academy. Returning players from the 2021-22 LSU roster include Adam Miller, Mwani Wilkinson and Justice Williams.

Here are some of his highlights: