Romwel Anzures

La Salle’s Mike Phillips. Photo from UAAP Media

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div style="line-height:1.5"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771640412092IMG_0037.webp" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>La Salle’s Mike Phillips. Photo from UAAP MediaMANILA — The Gilas Pilipinas men’s pool is set to receive a much-needed boost after Mike Phillips was officially classified by FIBA as a local player. “The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) thanks FIBA for its swift action in hearing our request and classifying Mike Phillips as a player without restriction,” the federation announced Saturday morning. The 6-foot-7 Phillips previously represented Gilas in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, helping the squad bring home the gold medal. The former De La Salle University standout is now expected to become a fixture in the team for future tournaments. “It’s a blessing and a huge honor to officially be eligible to represent the Philippines,” said the two-time UAAP men’s basketball champion and Season 88 Finals MVP. “The opportunity to play for the national team is a longtime dream and an answered prayer.”</div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/12/17/uaap-god-did-it-for-him-so-finals-mvp-mike-phillips-also-did-it-for-la-salle-2011">UAAP: God did it for him, so Finals MVP Mike Phillips also did it for La Salle</a></div>Phillips was originally set to be part of Norman Black’s 2025 SEA Games squad last December but was left out of the roster due to host Thailand’s eligibility rules.With FIBA’s ruling, his place on the national team moving forward is no longer in question, and Phillips expressed nothing but gratitude for the development.“I’m beyond grateful to FIBA, the SBP, and everyone who supported this process,” he said. “Handa na po akong lumaban para sa ating bansa! Ibibigay ko lahat ng kaya ko at ang buong puso ko!”“I cannot wait to compete alongside my fellow Filipinos as we continue pushing Philippine basketball forward. Para sa Bayan!” Phillips added.

“It’s a blessing and a huge honor to officially be eligible to represent the Philippines,” said Mike Phillips. #FIBA #GilasPilipinas

“It’s a blessing and a huge honor to officially be eligible to represent the Philippines,” said Mike Phillips. #FIBA #GilasPilipinas

FIBA: Mike Phillips officially cleared to play as local for Gilas — ‘Para sa Bayan!’

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FIBA: Mike Phillips officially cleared to play as local for Gilas — ‘Para sa Bayan!’

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 21, 2026 10:48 AM PHT

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Basketball

UAAP

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UAAP Season 88

UAAP Basketball

UAAP Finals

De La Salle Green Archers

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Mike Phillips

Gilas

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