When a new coach takes over a program, it is common to see a handful of de-commitments from the incoming recruiting class that has yet to sign. However with Desmond Phillips, the exact opposite happened. Phillips had previously committed to Toledo back in May, however had second thoughts and decided on Miami (FL) in November. Just a few week after Jason Candle was named the new head coach, Phillips decided to de-commit from Miami (FL) and ultimately re-commit to the Rockets.
Phillips chose the Rockets over reported offers from Temple, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, FIU, Kent State, Marshall, UMass, Miami (FL), Miami, Middle Tennessee State, Oregon State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and USF.