Full circle: Mike Phillips set for FIBA debut with Gilas Pilipinas

MANILA, Philippines – Mike Phillips was once told that his playing days were probably over after a string of concussions put his basketball career in jeopardy. 

Phillips, however, not only continues to perform at a high level, he is also set for his FIBA debut with Gilas Pilipinas.

Phillips made the 12-man roster for the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where the Philippines will play back-to-back road games against New Zealand and Australia on July 3 and 6, respectively.

“I’m overjoyed to be a part of Gilas. This is a full-circle moment in my life,” said Phillips in Filipino. “I remember my doctor telling me that I might never play again after I had five brain injuries.” 

“Now, I’m playing for our country.” 

It will not be the first time the Filipino-American forward, a three-time Mythical Team member in the UAAP for La Salle, is donning the national colors.

Phillips was a member of the squad that won it all in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia as the Philippines reclaimed the gold medal after a shocking runner-up finish the year prior in Vietnam.

That stint, though, was only made possible due to the SEA Games adopting a passport-only rule, with Phillips still then considered a naturalized player under FIBA rules.

But with the world governing body for basketball classifying Phillips as a local player earlier this year, the 23-year-old workhorse gets to represent the country in FIBA play without taking the lone naturalized player spot.

“FIBA is for the big time, it’s the big show. Being a local is really my dream,” said Phillips.

As he returns to national team duties, Phillips reunites with former La Salle teammates Kevin Quiambao and Justine Baltazar and teams up with old UAAP foes RJ Abarrientos, Juan Gomez de Liaño, and Carl Tamayo. 

“I know I’ll learn a lot in the FIBA games and I’m super excited,” said Phillips. 

While Gilas head coach Tim Cone made it clear from the get-go that Phillips’ playing time will be dictated by his adjustment to the system, the champion mentor likes what he is seeing from “Motor Mike.” 

“He lends so much energy. He’s a great defender, he’s great around the rim. We see certain areas in which we can really use him and help the team,” said Cone. – Rappler.com