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Tag: Mike Phillips

  • Mike Phillips begins Japan chapter, signs with Kyoto Hannaryz in B.League 

    Mike Phillips begins Japan chapter, signs with Kyoto Hannaryz in B.League 

    Mike Phillips’ rapid rise has taken him from the UAAP hardwood to the Gilas Pilipinas frontcourt. Now, it has opened the door to one of Asia’s top professional leagues.

     

    The 24-year-old Filipino-American forward officially signed with the Kyoto Hannaryz for the 2026-27 B.League season, marking another milestone in a career that has gathered momentum over the past year.

     

    The Japanese club announced Phillips’ arrival on Tuesday, making him the latest Filipino talent to continue his development overseas.

     

    “I’m truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the Kyoto Hannaryz organization and the B.LEAGUE,” said Phillips.

     

    His move became possible after representing Gilas Pilipinas during Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, fulfilling the requirements to compete in the B.League as an Asian Quota player.

     

    Phillips made the most of his opportunity with the national team, averaging 4.0 points and 8.5 rebounds while earning praise for his relentless energy and hustle. Earlier this year, FIBA also granted him local player status, officially clearing him to suit up for the Philippines in international competitions.

     

    Before making the jump overseas, Phillips built an impressive collegiate résumé with De La Salle University.

     

    During his five-year stay with the Green Archers, he helped deliver two UAAP championships and ended his collegiate career on a high note by capturing the Finals MVP award. In his final season, he averaged 12.58 points, 14.58 rebounds, 2.68 assists, and 1.32 steals per contest.

     

    Japan is also familiar territory for Phillips.

     

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    He previously competed there with La Salle during the World University Basketball Series, an experience that left a lasting impression and ultimately made his return even more meaningful.

     

    “During my college years, I had the chance to play in several tournaments in Japan, and those experiences left a strong impression on me. I’m excited to return and experience the passion of basketball in Japan once again,” he recalled.

     

    Phillips also began his professional career with the San Juan Knights in the MPBL, where he averaged 8.4 points and 10.7 rebounds in 10 appearances before deciding to pursue an overseas opportunity.

     

    His family believes the move is another important step in his long-term development.

     

    “The Phillips Family is immensely grateful to everyone from La Salle who has poured knowledge and support into Mike over the years, SBP for allowing the great honor to represent the flag and country, and San Juan Knights for their utmost professionalism and support with this decision,” expressed Mike’s older brother, Ben.

     

    “We believe this will allow Mike to take a great step forward in his career to develop as a player and as a young man, and be able to bring a heightened level of play whenever he is called to serve Gilas, and when he will be able to return to the PBA in the future if hopefully they would accept him.”

     

    Phillips also adds another Filipino connection to the Kyoto franchise, becoming the third Asian Quota player in Hannaryz history after Matthew Wright and Jamie Malonzo.

     

    The Hannaryz are coming off a 28-32 campaign that saw them finish 20th in the 26-team B.League, and Phillips hopes to help the club climb the standings while continuing his own growth as a professional.

     

    “I’m looking forward to giving my all every day alongside my teammates and competing hard for the Kyoto fans and community throughout the season,” expressed Mike, who is represented by Tre Sports Management.

     

    “Thank you very much for your support. I can’t wait to see everyone in Kyoto, and I hope we can have a great season together.”

     

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  • Mike Phillips set for reported Japan move after abrupt San Juan exit  

    Mike Phillips set for reported Japan move after abrupt San Juan exit  

    One of the biggest names expected to headline the PBA Season 51 Rookie Draft may no longer hear his name called.

     

    Mike Phillips, widely regarded as one of the most coveted prospects in this year’s class, is reportedly headed overseas after agreeing to a lucrative three-year contract with a team in Japan’s B.League, a move that could dramatically alter the complexion of the upcoming draft.

     

    The development not only signals a major career decision for the former De La Salle standout but also leaves the San Juan Knights scrambling to recover from the unexpected departure of one of their cornerstone players in the middle of a strong MPBL campaign.

     

    San Juan team manager Jun Usman confirmed that Phillips has already parted ways with the club, expressing disappointment over how the separation unfolded.

     

    “Sadly, he left us. What’s unfair is he didn’t even have the balls to talk to us. It was only his brother Ben who informed us of his sudden departure,” said Usman.

     

    According to San Juan, Phillips’ contract included an opt-out clause that allowed him to pursue overseas opportunities. Sources added that his reported B.League deal includes a seven-figure monthly salary along with benefits such as a fully furnished condominium, a dedicated service vehicle, and business-class travel.

     

    While the Knights acknowledged Phillips exercised a provision in his contract, Usman lamented that the organization was caught off guard by the timing and manner of his exit.

     

    “It was so unprofessional of him,” he said. “At nakakalungkot lang na nangyari ito at a time na mismong si Sen eh may pinagdadaanan.”

     

    “Sobrang unfair lang nito sa amin kasi binigla na kami, parang iniwan kami sa ere. Pano kami ngayon,” Usman, whose team owns an impressive record of 14 wins and 1 loss, added.

     

    San Juan officials also revealed that communication with Phillips became difficult following his recent stint with Gilas Pilipinas during the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Australia.

     

    Under B.League regulations, his appearance for the Philippine national team qualifies him for Asian Quota eligibility, making him an attractive target for clubs in Japan’s top division.

     

    Usman said the organization repeatedly attempted to reach Phillips before eventually receiving confirmation of his decision through his brother.

     

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    “Wala, hindi na siya sumasagot sa amin. Ilang tawag at text na ang ginagawa namin, until recently, yung kapatid pa n’ya na si Ben ang nagsabi sa amin na they are terminating their contract [under the opt-out clause],” he said.

     

    Phillips has been one of the MPBL’s most productive big men this season, averaging 8.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game while anchoring one of the league’s top teams.

     

    His impact was perhaps most evident in San Juan’s statement victory over defending champion Abra Solid North Weavers last May, when he played a key role in a crucial 66-58 triumph that strengthened the Knights’ title aspirations.

     

    Despite expressing frustration over the circumstances, Usman acknowledged that Phillips leaves a significant void on the roster.

     

    “Malaking bagay talaga sa amin si Mike pero ano pa ba ang magagawa namin,” said Usman. “Pero para sa amin, sana man lang nagpaalam ng maayos. Nagkaroon man lang sana kami ng chance na makahirit for him to stay.”

     

    The San Juan executive also maintained that the organization fulfilled its commitments to the high-flying forward, noting that Phillips received his compensation on time through the support of the team’s financial backers.

     

    Should the reported B.League move push through, Phillips would forgo the PBA Rookie Draft altogether and instead continue his rapid rise on the international stage, marking another high-profile Filipino talent choosing an overseas opportunity before beginning a professional career in the PBA.

     

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  • Mike Phillips gives Gilas a fighting pulse despite heavy loss to Australia 

    Mike Phillips gives Gilas a fighting pulse despite heavy loss to Australia 

    The final score offered little comfort for Gilas Pilipinas, but Mike Phillips made sure there was still something worth remembering from Monday night’s loss in Perth.

     

    In a game where Australia dictated the tempo from start to finish en route to a 92-49 victory at RAC Arena, Phillips refused to let the contest slip by without a fight. The 6-foot-8 forward relentlessly chased loose balls, battled for rebounds against the bigger Boomers, and provided the energy that the Philippines desperately needed throughout the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers clash.

     

    The numbers reflected his effort. Phillips grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds in just 24 minutes and 29 seconds while contributing six points, highlighted by a pair of emphatic dunks. He also recorded a steal and a block, making an impact on both ends of the floor despite the lopsided result.

     

    For head coach Tim Cone, Phillips’ relentless approach stood out more than anything else.

    “Yeah, he was one of the bright lights for us tonight. He was doing great, especially in the first half. He was rebounding the heck out of the ball and just playing,” said Philippines head coach Tim Cone after the game.

     

    “His nickname is ‘Motor Mike’ and there’s a reason for that. He plays with such a tremendous motor. He’s all over the floor.”

     

    The performance was a significant response after Phillips saw limited production in his Gilas debut against New Zealand, where he posted just two points, three rebounds, and a steal in 11 minutes during the Filipinos’ heartbreaking 106-102 double-overtime defeat.

     

    Against Australia, circumstances also demanded more from him. Gilas entered the contest without naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who was sidelined by multiple injuries, opening the door for Phillips to take on a larger role in the frontcourt.

     

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    What made his outing even more impressive was that he wasn’t operating at full strength.

    Cone revealed that Phillips had been dealing with a “gimpy ankle” after suffering an injury during one of Gilas Pilipinas’ tune-up games before the third qualifying window, yet the young forward never let it affect the way he attacked every possession.

     

    The effort may not have been enough to prevent the defeat, but it reinforced why Phillips is becoming one of the national team’s most intriguing young pieces heading into the next phase of the qualifiers.

     

    The Philippines wrapped up the first round of Group A with a 2-4 record, securing third place and advancing to the second round of the Asian Qualifiers. Gilas will resume its campaign at the SM Mall of Asia Arena later this August, taking on Jordan on August 28 before facing Iran on August 30.

     

    Cone believes performances like Monday’s are only the beginning for the energetic forward.

    “He’s a young guy, and he plays with so much enthusiasm. It’s very infectious,” Cone said of Phillips.

     

    “Tonight, it was less visible because of the score, but I think that’s something our fans are really going to appreciate moving forward — watching him play with that kind of effort and seeing the other guys get infected by it and continue to play.”

     

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  • Mike Phillips reaches Gilas milestone, reflects on recovery journey 

    Mike Phillips reaches Gilas milestone, reflects on recovery journey 

    Long before Mike Phillips earned a spot in Gilas Pilipinas’ Final 12, he was confronting a possibility far more daunting than facing Australia or New Zealand.

     

    There was a time when simply continuing his basketball career was uncertain.

     

    As the national team prepares for a crucial window in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Phillips arrives not just as another addition to the roster but as one of its most remarkable stories.

     

    The 24-year-old forward’s inclusion in the squad represents years of persistence, recovery, and belief after a series of setbacks that once threatened to end his basketball journey altogether.

    During Gilas Pilipinas’ send-off press conference, Phillips reflected on the road that brought him to this point.

     

    “Napakasaya na kasama ako sa Gilas na ito,” Phillips said.

     

    “Madaming full-circle moments sa buhay ko ngayon.”

     

    The phrase “full-circle” carries particular significance for Phillips.

     

    Before becoming one of the most energetic and reliable frontcourt players in Philippine basketball, he endured five brain injuries suffered during high school and college. Those incidents led to difficult conversations about his future in the sport.

     

    “Naalala ko lang ‘yung sinabi ng doctor ko after I had five brain injuries,” he shared.

    “Sabi niya, baka hindi ka na makapaglaro ng basketball.”

     

    Instead of becoming the final chapter of his basketball career, those words now serve as a reminder of how far he has come.

     

    Today, Phillips is preparing to represent the Philippines in one of the sport’s most prestigious international competitions.

     

    “Pero ngayon po, makakapaglaro para sa bansa natin,” he said.

     

    “Talagang ‘yung dahilan ko kung bakit ako nandito ay si God po.”

     

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    “’Yung pagkakataon na ‘yun po, malaking blessing talaga so gusto ko talaga sulitin at tutulungan ko ‘yung team in any way I can.”

     

    His call-up carries additional meaning because this is the opportunity he had been working toward for years.

     

    Phillips previously suited up for Gilas during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, but becoming eligible as a local player and earning a place in the senior national team’s FIBA campaign was always the bigger objective.

     

    “Malaking bagay po kasi ‘yung Gilas talaga, ‘yun ‘yung big time,” he said.

     

    “So, maging local talaga ‘yung pangarap ko, at ‘yun ‘yung pinagtatrabahuhan namin ilang years na.”

     

    Now part of a roster that blends established veterans with emerging talent, Phillips believes the team’s chemistry will be one of its strengths as it heads into challenging road games against New Zealand and Australia.

     

    “Maganda din po ‘yung samahan namin,” he said.

     

    “May mga old faces, new faces, so maganda ‘yung mix ng mga rookies tsaka beterano sa team.”

    For Phillips, the upcoming qualifiers are about more than wins, losses, or standings.

     

    They are another reminder that a career once placed in doubt has evolved into something far greater than he imagined.

     

    From hearing that he might never play again to wearing the national colors on the international stage, Phillips’ journey has become one of the most inspiring stories inside the Gilas Pilipinas program.

     

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  • Under coach Tim Cone’s system, Mike Phillips ready for bigger Gilas Pilipinas role 

    Under coach Tim Cone’s system, Mike Phillips ready for bigger Gilas Pilipinas role 

    Mike Phillips has waited a long time for this moment. Three years after first answering the call to represent the country in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games under then-head coach Chot Reyes, he is once again wearing the national colors—this time as part of the Gilas Pilipinas squad under coach Tim Cone.

     

    Named as one of the Final 12 for Window 3 of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Phillips is set to join the national team in crucial road games.

     

    For Phillips, however, the excitement of representing the country has never faded.

     

    “Sobrang saya ko at ang tagal namin itong hinintay, kasi SBP has been working so hard. Ma’am Erika Dy has been working so hard for so many years. Sobrang saya ko na nakasama ako sa Final 12 at excited akong maglaro para sa bayan,” he said.

     

    The call-up becomes even more meaningful with two familiar faces joining him on the roster. Former De La Salle teammates Justine Baltazar and Kevin Quiambao will also suit up for Gilas, creating what Phillips described as a special reunion years in the making.

     

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    “Super excited, Kevin is my boy and si Balti, siya yung captain ko nung first year ko sa La Salle. Full-circle talaga. We have the Animo pride,” the former De La Salle University standout said.

     

    For a player known for his relentless motor and physical style of play, the latest Gilas opportunity also serves as a chance to showcase how much his game has evolved since his UAAP days. 

     

    From becoming one of the country’s most versatile frontcourt players to earning recognition on the international stage, Phillips believes he is a more complete player than when he first joined the national team setup.

     

    His inclusion comes at a pivotal stage of the Philippines’ World Cup qualifying campaign. Gilas continues its quest for a place in the 2027 FIBA World Cup. The upcoming window is expected to provide a crucial test of the team’s depth and progress under Cone.

     

    Joining Phillips in the Final 12 are RJ Abarrientos, Justine Baltazar, Justin Brownlee, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Troy Rosario, Carl Tamayo, and Scottie Thompson, as Gilas prepares for another important chapter in its World Cup journey.

     

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  • Mike Phillips emerges as Gilas option amid frontcourt shakeup for FIBA Qualifiers 

    Mike Phillips emerges as Gilas option amid frontcourt shakeup for FIBA Qualifiers 

    Gilas Pilipinas may have found an unexpected answer to one of its biggest concerns heading into the next phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

     

    As injuries, surgeries, and overseas commitments continue to thin the national team’s frontcourt depth, Mike Phillips has quietly stepped into the picture, joining the Gilas pool for the crucial July window, according to sources.

     

    The development comes at a time when size has become a growing concern for the national team. Reports indicate that Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown are both expected to miss the upcoming road assignments against New Zealand and Australia, while Calvin Oftana has already ruled himself out due to a scheduled toe surgery.

     

    That situation has created an opening for Phillips, whose combination of energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility could provide an alternative option for the coaching staff.

     

    Rather than arriving as a last-minute replacement, the former La Salle standout has already begun participating in team workouts despite head coach Tim Cone remaining focused on Barangay Ginebra’s ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals campaign.

     

    The call-up also marks a significant milestone in Phillips’ national team journey.

     

    For years, questions surrounding his eligibility complicated discussions about his future with Gilas. That uncertainty largely disappeared in February when FIBA officially classified him as a local player, clearing the path for potential inclusion in future international competitions.

     

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    Now, with Gilas navigating roster challenges, the timing of that ruling could prove valuable.

     

    While many associate Phillips with his successful UAAP career—highlighted by a Finals MVP performance in Season 89—he is no stranger to representing the country. He previously suited up for the Philippines during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, giving him a taste of international competition.

     

    His latest opportunity, however, comes under different circumstances.

     

    Instead of being viewed as a prospect for the future, Phillips is being considered as a possible solution for the present as Gilas prepares for two difficult away games against traditional regional powers.

     

    Currently seeing action with San Juan in the MPBL, Phillips now finds himself back in the national team conversation at a moment when every available big body matters.

     

    With the July qualifiers approaching and Gilas still managing roster availability issues, Phillips’ inclusion offers the national team another layer of flexibility—and perhaps another opportunity for him to prove he belongs on the international stage.

     

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  • Justin Arana, Mike Phillips included in Gilas’ expanded Asian Games long list, says Tim Cone 

    Justin Arana, Mike Phillips included in Gilas’ expanded Asian Games long list, says Tim Cone 

    For Tim Cone, preparing for the 2026 Asian Games is no longer just about finding the best players available.

     

    It is also about preparing for uncertainty.

     

    Still carrying lessons from Gilas Pilipinas’ dramatic gold medal run in Hangzhou, Cone revealed that the national team is taking a far more cautious approach this time by building a much larger pool of possible candidates for the continental meet.

     

    Among those included in the initial long list is Justin Arana, although Cone quickly clarified that the inclusion should not be interpreted as a guaranteed roster spot.

     

    “We needed a long list for the Asian Games so we put a long list together. It’s a list of about 30 names,” said Cone. “Arana is part of that list obviously.”

     

    Cone explained that the expanded list is mainly a safeguard against eligibility complications similar to the ones Gilas encountered during the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the team had to make late adjustments after some players failed to meet eligibility requirements.

     

    Despite the roster chaos at the time, Gilas Pilipinas still completed a memorable gold medal run.

     

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    “This has nothing to do with the windows at this point. This is just strictly for the Asian Games,” Cone clarified, emphasizing that the long list is separate from the core pool being considered for upcoming FIBA competitions.

     

    Cone also confirmed that Mike Phillips — recently classified by FIBA as a local player — is part of the same extended pool.

     

    Rather than locking in combinations early, Cone said the coaching staff wants flexibility this far ahead of the tournament.

     

    “We don’t know the eligibility rules that are going to happen. Last (Asian Games), we had a long list put together and there were players out there that didn’t get eligible,” said the veteran coach.

    “Last Asian Games, we scrambled for players at the very end because the list wasn’t a representative of what the eligibility rules were. So we made a long list [this time] hoping that these guys will be eligible and we will have a bigger pool to pick from.”

     

    For Cone, the expanded list is less about final decisions and more about avoiding the same last-minute problems that once forced Gilas to improvise on the fly before eventually striking gold.

     

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  • Quentin Millora-Brown excited to team up with former UAAP rival Mike Phillips for Gilas Pilipinas

    Quentin Millora-Brown excited to team up with former UAAP rival Mike Phillips for Gilas Pilipinas

    What was once a fierce collegiate rivalry may soon become a key partnership for the Philippine national team.

     

    After battling each other in the trenches of the UAAP, Quentin Millora-Brown is now embracing the possibility of sharing the floor with former adversary Mike Phillips as Gilas Pilipinas continues to reshape its identity heading into the next window of international competition.

     

    Millora-Brown anchored the interior for the University of the Philippines during UAAP Season 87, while Phillips served as the defensive engine for De La Salle University. Their matchup became one of the defining frontcourt duels of the season, culminating in a championship run for the Fighting Maroons.

     

    Now, their paths are aligning under a different flag.

     

    Phillips recently received clearance from FIBA to suit up as a local player for Gilas, opening the door for a potential reunion—this time as teammates—when the Philippines returns for Window 3 against familiar opponents New Zealand men’s national basketball team and Australia men’s national basketball team.

     

    For Millora-Brown, the transition from rivalry to brotherhood feels natural.

     

    “His energy is amazing. I think he’ll bring great effort to us — really strong defensive energy, a hard roller, and a great screener. There’s a lot to look forward to,” Millora-Brown told reporters after Sunday’s 66-93 loss to the Boomers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    While the spotlight has largely focused on Gilas’ recent setbacks, the 6-foot-9 big man is quietly building consistency in his role. Across four international appearances, Millora-Brown has averaged 8.3 points on an efficient 61.9-percent shooting clip while pulling down eight rebounds per game—numbers that reflect his growing comfort in the system.

     

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    Still, he believes his impact goes beyond scoring.

     

    “I still need to feel the system. In the last three games, I’ve started figuring out where I fit, where I can score. Defensively, that’s always about energy, effort, and giving 100 percent,” Millora-Brown shared.

     

    “For me, it’s also about helping our guys — finding ways to get Justin open, get him comfortable, and give our other shooters confidence. We never really found a confident flow throughout the game; they were taking us out of our spots more than we wanted.”

     

    That mindset underscores a broader shift within Gilas Pilipinas, where roles are evolving and chemistry remains a work in progress. With established contributors like Justin Brownlee, Dwight Ramos, and CJ Perez carrying significant responsibilities, the arrival of Phillips could inject additional defensive intensity and rebounding presence.

     

    Despite back-to-back losses in Window 2, the Philippines has already secured passage to the next round of qualifiers, giving the team valuable time to recalibrate. For Millora-Brown, the focus now shifts toward physicality, execution, and turning lessons into results when Gilas faces the same opponents again.

     

    “Just breaking their physicality, getting downhill with our guards, relieving pressure, and finding ways to get passes down the elbow,” he said.

     

    “That’s what we need to do to win in the next games.”

     

    If Phillips officially joins the rotation, Gilas may soon feature a frontcourt built not on rivalry—but on reinforcement.

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao motivated by possible Gilas reunion with La Salle teammate Mike Phillips 

    Kevin Quiambao motivated by possible Gilas reunion with La Salle teammate Mike Phillips 

    For Kevin Quiambao, last weekend’s news wasn’t just another roster update—it felt like the next chapter of a journey that began years earlier in college.

     

    Barely a day after returning to the Philippines, Quiambao learned that his former De La Salle University teammate Mike Phillips had officially been granted local status by FIBA, a development that could finally open the door for the two high-energy forwards to share the floor again—this time for the national team.

     

    Having played together from Seasons 85 to 87 of the UAAP, Quiambao knows exactly what Phillips—popularly known as “Motor Mike”—brings to any lineup.

     

    “I think it was a very, very big and great help sa program ng Gilas, especially nakasama ko siya sa La Salle. I know kung gaano niya matutulungan yung team at alam ko kung paano niya ibibigay yung best niya every time,” Quiambao told Tiebreaker Times.

     

    “He’s always 100-percent, hindi nga 100-percent, 1,000-percent lagi yan pag naglalaro sa basketball court. Yung energy at yung hustle niya, I’m so excited.”

     

    During their collegiate run, the Green Archers built a winning identity anchored on activity and versatility—an approach that culminated in two Finals appearances and a championship in Season 86. Quiambao dominated that title campaign, earning both Regular Season and Finals MVP honors.

     

    Their paths toward the national program began to take shape during that same stretch.

     

    Quiambao became part of the Gilas pool, while Phillips suited up for the Philippine squad that captured gold in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games. Despite representing different national team lineups, both carried the same long-term vision.

     

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    “Siya, naging eligible sa SEA Games at ako sa FIBA. That time, hindi kami nagkakausap about Gilas kasi focus kami nun to get the championship sa La Salle,” Quiambao recalled.

     

    “Yung dream ko rin sa sarili ko na makakampi siya sa Gilas, siguro matutupad naman sa next window sa July. Sana, sana.”

     

    Now, with Phillips’ eligibility clarified, that possibility suddenly feels closer to reality. While the reunion storyline builds excitement, Quiambao remains focused on the immediate task: helping Gilas Pilipinas in Window 2 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

     

    The Philippines is set for a tough home stand against the New Zealand national basketball team on Thursday and the Australia men’s national basketball team on Sunday—two programs long known for their physical and disciplined style.

     

    Over the past year, Quiambao has steadily carved out a larger role under head coach Tim Cone, showing his adaptability as a modern forward capable of scoring, facilitating, and defending multiple positions.

     

    His consistent production across recent tournaments—including solid performances in the Asia Cup cycle and the previous window against Guam—has strengthened his place in the rotation.

     

    Still, the 24-year-old forward, who also plays professionally for Goyang Sono Skygunners, embraces the pressure that comes with growing responsibility.

     

    “Gusto ko lagi na may parang pressure sa sarili ko kasi doon mo maabot yung pinaka-top level ng game mo,” said Quiambao.

     

    “Pero challenge siguro is how to keep up kung ano yung ginagawa ko sa Gilas. And as a young guy, magiging sponge lang ako kung ano yung male-learn ko sa veterans namin.”

     

    For Quiambao, the equation is simple: handle the present, and the future—perhaps alongside a familiar teammate—will follow.

     

     

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  • Mike Phillips cleared as local by FIBA, boosts Gilas depth for future campaigns

    Mike Phillips cleared as local by FIBA, boosts Gilas depth for future campaigns

    A long-awaited eligibility breakthrough has finally arrived for Philippine basketball, as Mike Phillips is now officially cleared to represent Gilas Pilipinas without restrictions in all tournaments sanctioned by FIBA.

     

    The decision, announced by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, reshapes the national team’s long-term roster outlook by adding another versatile forward to the local player pool rather than occupying the lone naturalized slot.

     

    For years, Phillips’ eligibility status hovered in uncertainty despite his growing résumé in Philippine basketball. His athleticism and defensive presence had already made him a key figure for the De La Salle Green Archers, where he captured Finals MVP honors during their UAAP championship run. 

     

    However, international participation remained complicated after he was previously categorized as a naturalized player—an issue that even prevented him from suiting up in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games follow-up campaign hosted in Thailand.

     

    That classification has now been resolved, SBP officials acknowledged FIBA’s quick response in granting the reclassification, calling it a crucial step in strengthening the national program’s depth as it continues to balance youth development and international competitiveness.

     

    Phillips becomes the latest Fil-Am player to gain unrestricted status, following the recent case of Quentin Millora-Brown. Similar rulings in previous years also benefited players like Chris Newsome and Greg Slaughter, signaling a broader shift in how eligibility cases tied to Philippine heritage are being evaluated.

     

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    For Phillips, the decision carries emotional weight beyond roster flexibility,”handa na po akong lumaban para sa ating bansa! Ibibigay ko lahat ng kaya ko at ng buong puso ko!” he said in a statement. “I cannot wait to compete alongside my fellow Filipinos as we continue pushing Philippine basketball forward.”

     

    He also emphasized the significance of finally achieving a longtime personal goal.”It’s a blessing and a huge honor to actually be eligible to represent the Philippines. The opportunity to play for the national team is a longtime dream and an answered prayer,” he said.

     

    “I’m beyond grateful to FIBA, the SBP, and everyone who supported this process.”

     

    The timing could prove pivotal for Gilas, especially under head coach Tim Cone, whose system relies heavily on versatility, switching defense, and high-motor forwards—areas where Phillips has consistently thrived.

     

    With his eligibility questions now settled, Phillips shifts from being a future option to an immediate asset, giving Gilas another energetic piece as it continues building toward upcoming continental and global competitions. 

     

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