Born ready: Mike Phillips gets FIBA nod to play as local for Gilas

MANILA, Philippines – Size and relentless motor just entered the Gilas Pilipinas picture.

FIBA has ruled that two-time UAAP champion Mike Phillips is a local player, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced on Saturday, February 21.

Phillips’ local status makes him eligible to suit up as a homegrown player for the national team if tapped for future FIBA events.

“Handa na po akong lumaban para sa ating bansa,” Phillips said in a statement. “Ibibigay ko lahat ng kaya ko at ang buong puso ko!“

(I’m ready to fight for our country. I’ll give everything I can and my whole heart.)”

“I cannot wait to compete alongside my fellow Filipinos as we continue pushing Philippine basketball forward,” he added.

The 6-foot-8 Phillips adds to Gilas’ tall frontline led by 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto and 6-foot-10 bigs AJ Edu, Quentin Millora-Brown, and June Mar Fajardo.

The switch in Phillips’ status came after FIBA raised the passport acquisition requirement for non-restricted (local) player eligibility from 16 to 18 years old last December.

Known for his relentless motor, Phillips was La Salle’s anchor down low for five years, powering the Green Archers to three straight finals in his last three seasons.

In Season 88, Phillips averaged 12.8 points and a league-leading 14.9 rebounds to go with 3.1 assists and 1.4 steals, earning his third Elite Team selection.

He put up 13.3 points and 13.7 rebounds in the finals against the UP Fighting Maroons, punctuated by a commanding 25-point, 18-rebound explosion in the title clincher.

Phillips arrived in the Philippines in 2019 after graduating from Creekside High School in Florida.

He first donned the national colors in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia when he helped Gilas recapture the gold medal, although the biennial showpiece does not follow FIBA rules.

“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,” he said. – Rappler.com