Romwel Anzures

Former De La Salle University star Mike Phillips. UAAP Media.

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771668819946UAAP 88 MBB Finals G3 UP vs. DLSU- MIKE PHILLIPS-7655.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Former De La Salle University star Mike Phillips. UAAP Media."/>Former De La Salle University star Mike Phillips. UAAP Media.MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone welcomed the development that officially classified Mike Phillips as a local player, saying the former De La Salle University star will be a “fixture” for the team moving forward.</div>“We&#x27;re extremely happy Mike has secured his clearance,” the Barangay Ginebra tactician told ABS-CBN News on Saturday.“He will, needless to say, with his size, enthusiasm, and leadership, be a fixture of Gilas for years to come,” Cone added.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/2/21/fiba-mike-phillips-officially-cleared-to-play-as-local-for-gilas-para-sa-bayan-1048">READ: Mike Phillips officially cleared to play as local for Gilas</a></div>The 6-foot-7 Phillips brings much-needed size and athleticism to the Nationals, who are currently competing in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.Phillips is also a proven winner, having captured two UAAP men’s basketball championships with the Green Archers, along with the Season 88 Finals MVP award.But how soon can Gilas expect “Motor Mike” to formally join the squad?“However, right now, with only three practices left before we start, it&#x27;s too late to add him,” said Cone, as the team prepares for the second window of the qualifiers later this week.“But he will definitely join the pool for the next window,” he added.In the meantime, Gilas will lean on its frontline led by Quentin Millora-Brown, AJ Edu, and June Mar Fajardo as it faces New Zealand on Thursday, February 26, and Australia on Monday, March 1.Both games tip off at 7:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.The next window is set for early July, with Gilas facing New Zealand on July 4 and Australia on July 7.

“He will, needless to say, with his size, enthusiasm, and leadership, be a fixture of Gilas for years to come,” Cone told ABS-CBN News. #FIBA #GilasPilipinas

“He will, needless to say, with his size, enthusiasm, and leadership, be a fixture of Gilas for years to come,” Cone told ABS-CBN News. #FIBA #GilasPilipinas

FIBA: Here’s when Tim Cone expects Mike Phillips to join Gilas Pilipinas pool

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FIBA: Here’s when Tim Cone expects Mike Phillips to join Gilas Pilipinas pool

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 21, 2026 06:19 PM PHT

Read More:

Basketball

FIBA

FIBA Basketball

2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

Tim Cone

ABSSports

Gilas Pilipinas

Gilas

Mike Phillips

Quentin Millora-Brown

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