MIKE Phillips has been tapped to be part of the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, according to sources.
Phillips is getting the call-up just as the Philippines is experiencing manpower issues, especially in terms of size, with Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown reportedly missing the July window when they will be playing on the road against New Zealand and Australia.
Calvin Oftana has also ruled himself out due to scheduled surgery on his toe.
The former La Salle star is already participating in national team workouts, even with head coach Tim Cone still busy with Ginebra in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup finals.
READ: Mike Phillips plans to enter PBA Rookie Draft, says brother Ben
Once official, the call-up will be the first for Phillips since he was classified as a local by FIBA last February.
The UAAP Season 89 Finals MVP had already played for Gilas in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia in 2023.
Phillips is currently playing for San Juan in the MPBL.
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