CHICAGO - With a ticket to the 2027 FIBA World Cup still a distinct possibility, Gilas Pilipinas just got a bit of added good news.
“He (Mike Phillips) plans to make himself available for Gilas this November,” Motor Mike’s brother and manager, Ben Phillips, told SPIN.ph on Tuesday night.
With the availability of Quentin Millora-Brown still uncertain and with June Mar Fajardo recently retiring from national team duties, Motor Mike’s 6-foot-8, 235-pound frame gives much-needed size and rebounding punch.
READ Gilas plans Malaysia camp as part of long buildup for FIBA window
Averaging a modest but effective 6.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per in eight games with Kyoto Hannaryz so far, the former La Salle Green Archer introduced himself to the Japan B.League with a smashing debut last October 18 when he poured in 18 points and grabbed 10 boards.
Just approaching his prime at age 24, Phillips has a two-year contract with Kyoto, which is enough time to establish himself in the ultra-competitive B.League.
With his name popping up on several mock drafts, here’s what his camp said, in not so many words, when asked if Motor Mike could enter the Season 51 PBA Rookie Draft this January.
No.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
