CHICAGO— By electing to sign with the Kyoto Hannaryz of the Japan B.League last July, Mike Phillips made a very sensible career move.
Sadly, unfortunately, the jump turned out to be as unpopular as a gas price increase.
Feeling abandoned at the MPBL altar of unmet promises, the San Juan Knights were atop the unhappy list.
Due to his commitment in Japan, the two-time UAAP champion skipped his Gilas Pilipinas duties in the July window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
That absence, plus the repeated declaration that he won’t enter the Season 51 PBA Rookie Draft as the potential No.1 pick in January, supposedly angered the powerful figures that run Philippine basketball.
NO ENMITY. JUST LOVE.
At least that’s what the rumor mill has been spewing, cluttering both my message board and text chains.
“You heard wrong.” Gilas coach Tim Cone told me via text message.
“We all like him for Gilas. No issue there. He will be on the team if he's available to us,” Cone added.“
A 6-foot-8, 230-pound energy guy, Motor Mike is exactly what the doctor ordered for Gilas in an upcoming sortie where the national team plays road games against Syria (November 27) and Iran (November 29).
But Cone’s good fortune, line-up wise, doesn’t end with the former La Salle Green Archer’s return to flag duty.
QMB US IN?
According to sources with knowledge of the situation, there is great optimism that Quentin Millora-Brown will slip on the red, white and blue jersey as well.
QMB, who inked a one-year contract with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) last January, is doing well with unbeaten 7-0 powerhouse Nagoya Diamond Dolphins of the B League Premier.
At 6-foot-10, 240-pounds, Millora-Brown adds much-needed size against the Syrians and the Iranians.
There’s just one more piece left to complete the Gilas puzzle.
Kai Sotto.
That, however, is a story for another day.
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