Phillips plotting next move

Mike Phillips has yet to decide on his future after winning his second University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball crown with De La Salle University.

Phillips, who was named the finals Most Valuable Player in Season 88, said he is still contemplating on his next move with his family after exhausting his playing years with the Green Archers.

The 6-foot-8 Filipino-American power forward wrapped up his collegiate career with a bang, dropping a double-double performance of 25 points and 18 rebounds to lead La Salle to an 80-72 victory over defending champion University of the Philippines in Game 3 of the UAAP finals last week.

He, however, has yet to plot his next move.

“I’m not sure. First thing I want to do, of course, is just pray about it. What I’m sure of, I want to go home and just hug my mom and dad, and see if we have anything to say, and just have some hot cocoa with them, and then we’ll figure it out from there,” Phillips said.

Reports have it that Phillips could be heading overseas following the path taken by his former teammate Kevin Quiambao.

Phillips has racked up an impressive resume in his five-year stint with La Salle as he became a three-time UAAP Mythical Team player to go with his two UAAP titles.

He also won a Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medal in 2023 as he, teammate Mason Amos and Jerom Lastimosa of Adamson University were the only collegiate players to join the squad composed of professional players.

Phillips was supposed to suit up for Gilas in the recent SEA Games in Thailand but was declared ineligible by the organizers despite already competing in the previous biennial meet.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) even encouraged Phillips and other UAAP stars to sign up for the Annual Rookie Draft last November where he has a handsome chance of emerging as the first overall pick.

Wherever Phillips goes, he will have the support of the La Salle fans who have cheered for him in his entire stint in the UAAP.

“Yeah, that’s the thing about the La Salle community. It’s not just social media where they always send us messages and encourage us,” Phillips said.

“Just walking through the campus, walking through our dorm, walking to class, so many people were greeting us and boosting our motivation. When it’s in person, it’s really different.”