On Saturday morning, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) delivered some great news: former La Salle Green Archer and UAAP champion Mike Phillips is now eligible to play as a local for the Philippines.
“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) thanks FIBA for its swift action in hearing our request and classifying Mike Phillips as a player without restriction,” the SBP announced on its social media. “Phillips, who has already shown willingness in playing for flag and country by joining Gilas Pilipinas Men in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, is now eligible to play as a local in all FIBA tournaments.”
Mike Phillips Is Stoked, Of Course
Phillips, the UAAP Finals MVP of Season 88, was on record saying that playing for the Philippines in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games was among the highlights of his young career, and that he’d welcome return stints with Gilas whenever his number is called. And it’s looking like he’s raring to go.
“It’s a blessing and a huge honor to officially be eligible to represent the Philippines. The opportunity to play for the national team is a longtime dream and an answered prayer! I’m beyond grateful to FIBA, the SBP, and everyone who supported this process,” said Phillips. “Handa na po akong lumaban para sa ating bansa! Ibibigay ko lahat ng kaya ko at ang buong puso ko! I cannot wait to compete alongside my fellow Filipinos as we continue pushing Philippine basketball forward.”
He also shared a brief but exciting message on his Instagram:
What Mike Phillips Brings to Gilas
With Mike Phillips now eligible to play as a local in all FIBA-sanctioned tournaments, Gilas Pilipinas will now have even more choices in the frontcourt, as he’ll join Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown, AJ Edu, and Carl Tamayo as part of the national squad’s big man rotation.
While not as tall as Sotto, QMB, and Edu, and not as offensively gifted as Tamayo, Mike Phillips still brings a different dynamic to Gilas. Specifically, he’ll be bringing elite athleticism in the frontcourt to go along with a nonstop motor and a rebounding tenacity unlike any other. He’ll also be bringing quickness, athleticism, and versatility on defense, which should come in handy against quicker, spread-out teams in international competition.
Needless to say, Mike Phillips might just complete what could turn out to be the golden age of bigs for Gilas Pilipinas.
