Romwel Anzures

Article (news)

Michael Phillips GILAS

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757940853992IMG_8286.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Mike Phillips of De La Salle University. Photos from Shayne Lee Andreas Macaraeg, ABS-CBN News Intern, and Ariya Kurniawan."/>Mike Phillips of De La Salle University. Photos from Shayne Lee Andreas Macaraeg, ABS-CBN News Intern, and Ariya Kurniawan.MANILA — To say that Mike Phillips is excited for another possible Gilas Pilipinas stint is an understatement.</div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/9/15/uaap-season-88-hoops-to-bank-on-fiba-standards-homegrown-talents-1759">READ: UAAP Season 88 hoops to bank on FIBA standards, homegrown talents </a></div>The De La Salle University star is among the eyed young aces who will comprise Norman Black’s Nationals for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games later this year, with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) eyeing a fresh list of names for the regional meet due to scheduling concerns.That is why, the 6-foot-7 Phillips — whose first taste of Gilas action came during the Cambodia SEA Games in 2023 wherein they reclaimed gold — is raring for another chance to don the Philippines’ Blue, Red, and White in December.“Last time, nung nakasama ako sa SEA Games, parang out-of-body experience,” the senior Green Archer said during Monday’s UAAP Season 88 preseason press conference. “Parang hindi pa rin nag-sink in when I see those pictures.”“I&#x27;m really praying that whatever God has planned, if it&#x27;s God&#x27;s will for me to hopefully have an opportunity to try out and be a part of the national team, of course, I&#x27;d really love to,” the Filipino-American said.The UAAP previously said that such decisions will be reliant on whether their member schools would lend their players to the National program, as possible scheduling conflicts may occur.However, as a possible solution, the league said that it is eyeing to end the basketball tournament earlier albeit nothing is set in stone just yet.“As the UAAP representative to the SBP board, we always communicate with the SBP,” Far Eastern University’s Mark Molina said. “The UAAP is always willing and ready to help the national team at all levels.”“[Executive Director Atty. Rene “Rebo” Saguisag, Jr.] and I recently met with the SBP on ways to maybe finish the basketball tournament early so that UAAP players can participate in the SEA Games. There will be a decision soon. The board will meet regarding this soon,” he added.Still, while nothing is finalized as of present, Phillips said that he will just be ready if the situation permits in the event that his name will be called for National team duties.“Right now, it’s just about staying in the moment,” said Phillips, who shared how he even already met with Black previously. “I&#x27;ve had some conversations but right now, I&#x27;m really focusing on La Salle. “I was able to really see how he coaches, how he leads, and I really became such a bigger fan.“But hopefully, God willing, we can both play UAAP and then also, the SEA Games. Hopefully, schedules align. I’m definitely willing, 100% willing to play and represent. I still have my medal. It&#x27;s just right in my cabinet, and I still talk to a lot of the guys that I was with in that SEA Games,” he recalled.The 33rd SEA Games in Thailand is set from December 9 to 20 later this year.

To say that Mike Phillips is excited for another possible Gilas Pilipinas stint is an understatement.

To say that Mike Phillips is excited for another possible Gilas Pilipinas stint is an understatement.

As UAAP eyes early end to Season 88 hoops, Phillips envisions another possible Gilas stint

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As UAAP eyes early end to Season 88 hoops, Phillips envisions another possible Gilas stint

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published Sep 15, 2025 09:28 PM PHT

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UAAP

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UAAP Season 88

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De La Salle University

Gilas Pilipinas

De La Salle Green Archers

Mike Phillips

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