MIKE Philips is grateful to finally be part of Gilas Pilipinas competing in the big stage.
Considering he was once told by doctors that he can no longer play the game he loves.
“Naaalala ko, sabi ng doctor baka hindi ka na makapaglaro ng basketball after this,” recalled the man they referred to as ‘Motor Mike’ when he was told about the bad news after suffering no less than five brain injuries.
READ Twice a reserve, Troy Rosario thrilled to finally get Gilas call
“But ngayon makakapaglaro pa po ako para sa bansa natin,” Philips added, noting that nothing is possible with God’s grace. “Yung pagkakataon na ito napakalaking blessing, kaya gusto kong sulitin talaga.”
The two-time UAAP champion and Finals MVP out of La Salle said he had brain concussions which he endured during his high school days in Florida, and later on, while playing for the Green Archers.
But all of those are in the past now, and given a clean bill of health, the 6-foot-8 Phillips has been called up as the newest addition to the national team roster for the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
He was tapped by coach Tim Cone to become part of the 12-man roster that will compete against New Zealand and Australia following the absence of big men Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown.
He previously suited up for Gilas during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games that regained the basketball gold in Cambodia, but will be playing for the first time in a FIBA-sanctioned tournament.
“Ito yung big time talaga, ito yung big show,” said Philips. “Ito talaga yung pangarap ko.”
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.
