Don’t be surprised if Gilas Pilipinas debutant Mike Phillips runs through a wall for flag and country
He’s just that grateful to be living his dream. And hearing him speak about it with so much passion could give even the most stoic of fans chills.
“Napakasaya ko na nasama ako sa Gilas na ito. Madaming full circle moment sa panahon ko sa buhay ko ngayon,” Phillips said in a press conference held before Gilas Pilipinas’ open practice on Monday at the FilOil EcoOil Center. “Naalala ko ‘yung sinabi ng doctor ko dati pa after I had five brain injuries. Sabi niya, baka di ka na makalaro ng basketball after this. At ngayon po, makakapaglaro ako para sa bansa natin. So, talagang ‘yung dahilan po kung bakit ako nandito ay si God po.”
Phillips only recently shared his bouts with concussions, which he said brought him to “these very, very dark places.” But, armed with unwavering faith and unyielding resolve, Motor Mike pulled through and is now living one of his dreams: suiting up for the national team in a FIBA‑sanctioned setting (the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers).
Mike Phillips Is Beyond Excited
Naturally, the two‑time UAAP champion with the La Salle Green Archers is excited for this opportunity. In fact, that might be an understatement because he looks beyond excited.
“’Yung Gilas, ‘yung FIBA ‘yun ‘yung big time kumbaga. ‘Yun ‘yung big show. ‘Yung pagiging local po ‘yun ‘yung pangarap ko. ‘Yun din ‘yung pinagtatrabahuhan namin for years na. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa SBP,” Phillips added. “Alam ko po na marami akong matututunan sa FIBA games. At sobrang excited po ako. Kahit sa SEA Games, alam ko ‘yung sa FIBA qualifying talagang mahalaga.”
The former King Archer, of course, played for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, where they won gold. Since then, he’s had only great things to say about the experience—so much so that he worked tirelessly to secure local eligibility.
After all that, Mike Phillips finally has his chance. He’s now in the big time with the big boys. And he’ll be playing in the big show in a few days.
