CHICAGO — The PBA Season 51 Rookie Draft on January 2027 is deemed as one of the deepest talent pools in recent years.
The star-studded crop potentially includes Fil-Ams DJ Fenner, Remy Martin, CJ Lane, Kymani Ladi and Dominic Escobar.
Among the other prospects are former local collegiate stars Will Gozum, Allen Liwag, Jake Figueroa, and JD Cagulangan.
While all of the above have serious hoops credentials, very few possess All-Star caliber upside, and one just entered the mix.
MICHAEL PHILLIPS.
“Mike plans to enter the PBA Draft,” his brother Ben, who also played for La Salle and is now an executive at tech giant Microsoft, told me via text message on Wednesday morning.
Although overseas is still an option for the two-time UAAP champion and the Season 88 Finals MVP, Ben still feels there’s no place like home.
“To be drafted in the PBA would be a dream come true for Mike,” said Ben, who added that his younger brother “is learning from his kuyas in the MPBL and would love to keep honoring the country by having the chance to represent the flag, as well as aspire to play in the first professional league in Asia.”
READ Phillips called up to raise ceiling of Gilas for third window
Described by one UAAP champion coach as “Dennis Rodman minus the attitude,” the 24-year old “Motor Mike” is a 6-foot-8, 235-lb power forward notorious for his boundless energy.
Phillips has a one-year deal with the San Juan Knights who currently sport a 9-1 record in the North Division of the regional league.
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