EACH and every one of the last three UAAP Finals face-offs with La Salle came with a tall task in front of the University of the Philippines.
Of course, 6-foot-8 Mike Phillips was always in the middle of anything and everything that mattered for the Green Archers.
That meant, it was so for the Fighting Maroons, as well.
Fast forward to today, though, and the 'Maroon 5' - or 'Maroon 4' now in the MPBL minus Janjan Felicilda - no longer have to deal with Phillips.
Instead, they're the ones who will be benifitting from all the Taft tower could do.
As Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, and Reyland Torres suit up for the San Juan in the 2026 season, this shift from altercation to alliance is still something they’re learning to process.
READ: Why Mike Phillips went to MPBL rather than international leagues
“Siyempre naman, may mga moments sa UAAP na rivalry. Natatalo kami at natatalo namin sila,” Alarcon told SPIN.ph.
But if anything, those battles made one thing clear.
“Grateful ako kasi gusto mo maging kakampi si Mike. Ayaw mo maging kalaban si Mike,” he added.
For Abadiano, the respect comes from knowing exactly what Phillips brings because they’ve experienced it firsthand.
“Laking tulong ni Mike sa amin. Alam naman natin yung kayang gawin ni Mike sa loob ng court,” he said, referring to the same 'Motor Mike' who used to be a two-way force, even on the biggest stage and under the brightest lights.
There’s no need for adjustments, just a change in perspective.
“Masakit yung nangyari sa amin na mag-champion sila,” Abadiano admitted, looking back at the recent UAAP title trilogy ultimately won by the Green Archers, with their two championships to the Fighting Maroons' one. “Pero tapos na ‘yun eh. Kaibang usapan na ito.”
Fortea, meanwhile, sees the transition in the smallest details - the kind only former rivals would notice.
“Sanay kami na 'pag gagamit kami ng screen, siya yung babantay. Ngayon, siya yung nagsi-set ng screen para sa amin,” he said.
Weird, yes. But also telling.
Because for a group that spent years trying to do battle with Phillips, having him on their side changes everything.
Hitching their wagon to 'Motor Mike'
While the past defines their connection, the present and the future is what matters most.
Together, the 'Maroon 4' and their new bandmate carry over to the Knights years of familiarity and mutual respect.
“Parang amuyan lang o tinginan lang, alam na namin yung gagawin,” Abadiano shared.
That familiarity has helped ease their transition into the pro ranks, but it doesn’t mean comfort.
“Masaya, pero huwag kang makampante,” Abadiano added.
For him, the MPBL is just one step in a bigger journey, with eyes still set on reaching the PBA or even opportunities overseas.
Fortea echoes that same grounded approach.
“Learning experience pa rin naman, lalo na first year. Mahaba pa yung mga games, marami pang mangyayari,” the homegrown product of San Juan said.
Still, the goal is clear.
“Goal pa rin, mag-champion,” he added.
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