Journee Phillips was the first player to sign with the Texas A&M University-San Antonio men's basketball team
When Journee Phillips joined A&M-San Antonio’s inaugural men’s basketball team, it was about more than just sports. For Phillips, it’s also about family, legacy and laying the foundation for a new era in A&M-San Antonio athletics.
“I was ecstatic when I got the call,” said Phillips, who made history as the first player to sign with the University’s basketball program. “To be given this opportunity, especially here in my hometown, it’s just humbling.”
Journee Phillips, a native of Southeast San Antonio, is pursuing a master’s degree in kinesiology
The connection to A&M-San Antonio is a natural one for Phillips. He’s a native of Southeast San Antonio and his grandmother, Dr. Doris Williams, has served as an adjunct faculty member in the psychology department for several years. Williams also played a role in encouraging Phillips to join the men’s team.
“When we found out he had a little eligibility left, I told him, ‘You need a graduate degree to further your career, and A&M-San Antonio has an excellent program,” Williams said. “Plus, there’s going to be an upcoming basketball team, and you love the game.’”
A&M-San Antonio expanded its sports program with the addition of men’s and women’s basketball this fall, for the 2024-2025 academic year. The addition of the basketball program is a big step forward for the University, which also carries men’s and women’s soccer, men’s golf and softball. A&M-San Antonio competes within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as a member of the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC). The basketball teams play out of the University’s new Recreation Center.
Phillips’ decision to play for the Jaguars also stemmed from a desire to be closer to his family, including his daughter, while pursuing his master’s degree in kinesiology.
Chris Dial, the head coach for A&M-San Antonio’s Men’s Basketball, recruited Phillips over the spring. Dial was a coach at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) when he first met Phillips, who was attending Karen Wagner High School. While he tried to recruit Phillips to OLLU, Phillips ended up going to Texas A&M International University and later transferred to West Texas A&M University.
A&M-San Antonio men's basketball coach Chris Dial
“We developed a good relationship even though he wasn’t playing for me at the time,” Dial said. “When we crossed paths again, I was overwhelmed with joy to see his passion and intention to play here. He’s a big piece on and off the floor and having a veteran presence like his is huge for establishing a winning culture.”
Phillips said he sees his role on the team as an opportunity to set the standard for others—and to leave a lasting legacy.
“This is more than just basketball,” Phillips said. “It’s about academics, leadership and being a great teammate. I want to help these guys learn what it takes to succeed on and off the court. It’s about carrying yourself the right way, in the classroom and in the community.”
Williams echoed her grandson’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of building a legacy at A&M-San Antonio.
Journee and his grandmother, Dr. Doris Williams, who is an adjunct faculty member in the University's psychology department.
“The impact he wants to make to help this program grow is so important,” Williams said. “Since it’s just getting started, the program needs that strong foundation and he wants to be a part of that lasting legacy.”
Don’t miss Jaguar Basketball’s next home game, when the men’s and women's teams take on the College of Biblical Studies on Tuesday, Nov. 26.