Camille Naredo

Mike Phillips dunks against Malaysia during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 9, 2023. Handout/POC-PSC Media/File

Gilas Pilipinas against Malaysia during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 9, 2023. The Philippines opened pool play with a dominant win, demolishing Malaysia, 94-49. POC/PSC Media handout

Article (news)

SEAG

Paige Javier

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Mike Phillips will be suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas for the first time since 2023 -- but this time on a bigger stage and with familiar faces.Phillips was named to the final 12-man roster for the Nationals in the third window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers next month.The UAAP champion will make his debut for Gilas as a local, after he was officially classified as such by FIBA last February.<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>Fans and media got a first look at Phillips in a Gilas jersey during the open practice and send-off at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Monday.Ahead of his debut, the 6-foot-8 forward was full of gratitude for the opportunity.&quot;Napakamasaya ko na nasama ako sa Gilas na ito. Madaming full circle moment sa panahon ko sa buhay ko ngayon,&quot; he said at a press conference.&quot;Yung pagkakataon na ito ay malaking blessing talaga. Talagang susulitin ko ito at tutulungan ko po yung team kahit paano and anywhere I can,&quot; Phillips added.The De La Salle University standout said getting the call-up for Gilas is surreal following the challenges he faced in his basketball journey.Phillips said he suffered several concussions in high school and college, posing a threat to his basketball career.&quot;Naalala ko yung sinabi ng doctor ko dati pa after I had five brain injuries. Sabi niya, baka di ka na makalaro ng basketball after this. At ngayon po, makakapaglaro ako para sa bansa natin. So talagang yung dahilan po kung bakit ako nandito ay si God po,&quot; he shared.Phillips last suited up for Gilas during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, where the team won gold despite limited time to prepare and other issues.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178214797144520230509-sea-games-gilas-vs-malaysia-HO-3.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Mike Phillips dunks against Malaysia during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 9, 2023. Handout/POC-PSC Media/File"/>Mike Phillips dunks against Malaysia during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 9, 2023. Handout/POC-PSC Media/File</div>Three years later, Phillips has another chance to don the tri-colors under head coach Tim Cone for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.The UAAP champion understands the heavier weight this call-up carries, as they are set to face tough teams in New Zealand and Australia.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/22/fiba-cone-optimistic-gilas-can-pull-off-surprises-in-tough-world-cup-qualifiers-stretch-2051">READ: Cone optimistic Gilas can pull off ‘surprises’ in tough World Cup qualifiers stretch</a></div>&quot;Yung Gilas, yung FIBA yun yung big time kumbaga. Yun yung big show. Yung pagiging local po yun yung pangarap ko. Yun din yung pinagtatrabahuhan namin for years na. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa SBP,&quot; Phillips said.&quot;Alam ko po na marami akong matututunan sa FIBA games. At sobrang excited po ako. Kahit sa SEA Games, alam ko yung sa FIBA qualifying talagang mahalaga,&quot; he added.His return to Gilas also reunites Phillips with fellow La Salle Justine Baltazar and Kevin Quiambao.Baltazar was the team captain during his rookie year, while he was teammates with Quiambao when they won the UAAP championship in 2023.&quot;Yun yung siguro yung maganda po. Kasi yung mga kasama ko ngayon, nakasama ko na po at medyo kilala ko na sila. Pati yung paglaro po. Siyempre yung mga PBA, matagal ko na sila napapanood yung games,&quot; Phillips said.&quot;Siyempre sila RJ [Abarrientos], sila Carl [Tamayo], mga dating kalaban ko. So pinag-aralan ko yung mga tendencies nila. Yung maganda din po, kasi ngayon mas gumaling pa sila at umangat din laro nila. Maganda din po samahan namin, may old faces at new faces,&quot; he shared.Gilas will first take on New Zealand on July 3, followed by Australia on July 6.

Mike Phillips will be suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas for the first time since 2023 -- but this time on a bigger stage and with familiar faces.

Mike Phillips will be suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas for the first time since 2023 -- but this time on a bigger stage and with familiar faces.

Mike Phillips relishes 'full circle moment' in Gilas Pilipinas return

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Mike Phillips relishes 'full circle moment' in Gilas Pilipinas return

Paige Javier,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 23, 2026 01:30 AM PHT

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Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas

Mike Phillips

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FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

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