THE upcoming PBA Rookie Draft is on the verge of losing its most coveted prospect.
Highly sought-after star Mike Phillips is most likely to skip the PBA Season 51 draft after SPIN.ph learned the he has left MPBL powerhouse San Juan Knights and agreed to sign a lucrative three-year deal with a Japan B.League team.
The stunning development was confirmed by Jun Usman, team manager of the San Juan Knights, where the agile 6-foot-8 slotman currently plays in a team that owns one of the best records in the regional league.
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“Sadly, he left us. What’s unfair is he didn't even have the balls to talk to us. It was only his brother Ben who informed us of his sudden departure,” said Usman, a close ally of team owner Senator Jinggoy Estrada.
While San Juan Knights insiders confirmed that Phillips has an opt-out clause in the contract that reportedly pays him a seven-figure monthly salary on top of perks like a fully-furnished condo unit, a dedicated service vehicle and business-class travel, Usman rued Phillips only informed the team about his decision in a letter after his brother made the first approach.
"It was so unprofessional of him," he said. "At nakakalungkot lang na nangyari ito at a time na mismong si Sen eh may pinagdadaanan.”
SPIN.ph has seen the copy of Phillips' letter to the Knights.
“Sobrang unfair lang nito sa amin kasi binigla na kami, parang iniwan kami sa ere. Pano kami ngayon,” Usman, whose team owns an impressive record of 14 wins and 1 loss, added.
Phillips, sources said, stopped answering calls and texts from San Juan management following his recent stint with Gilas Pilipinas in Australia last week, which under B.League rules should make him eligible to play in the league's premier division as an Asian Quota import.
“Wala, hindi na siya sumasagot sa amin. Ilang tawag at text na ang ginagawa namin, until recently, yung kapatid pa n'ya na si Ben ang nagsabi sa amin na they are terminating their contract [under the opt-out clause],” he said.
Phillips has been highly efficient during his stint with San Juan, currently averaging 8.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.
The former De La Salle Green Archer was instrumental in the Knights’ most crucial elimination-round victory, helping secure a 66-58 win against title favorites and defending champions Abra Solid North Weavers last May 2.
“Malaking bagay talaga sa amin si Mike pero ano pa ba ang magagawa namin,” said Usman. “Pero para sa amin, sana man lang nagpaalam ng maayos. Nagkaroon man lang sana kami ng chance na makahirit for him to stay."
Usman also assured that the Knights have given Phillips no reason to leave, saying his compensation - supported by three ardent team backers - is given on time.
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