MIKE Phillips and Kent Pastrana led the list of honorees after being named Basketball Players of the Year at the 2026 Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night presented by Strong Group Athletics on Monday at Discovery Suites in Ortigas.
The two UAAP champions were among the standout collegiate athletes recognized by the Collegiate Press Corps, the organization of sportswriters covering the country's premier college leagues.
READ: Mike Phillips plans to enter PBA Rookie Draft, says brother Ben
"It's not by my strength but only by His spirit," said Phillips in a video message as he credited God for the latest milestone in his collegiate career.
Pastrana, meanwhile, said the award caught her by surprise just as she signed off on her stellar UAAP career.
"Hindi ko naman hinangad ito. Naglaro lang ako at happy ako na nabigyan ako ng opportunity para matupad ang mga pangarap ko," said the UST star.
Phillips was joined in the Men's Basketball Mythical Five by UST's Collins Akowe, Letran's Titing Manalili, San Beda's Janti Miller, and FEU's Janrey Pasaol.
Pastrana, meanwhile, shared Women's Basketball Mythical Team honors with fellow UST standout Brigette Santos, National University's Karl Ann Pingol and Tin Cayabyab, and Ateneo's Kacey dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa likewise received a Special Citation for her international campaigns with Gilas Pilipinas Women in both 3x3 and 5x5 play.
The CPC also recognized the best performers in volleyball, with La Salle's Angel Canino and National University's Leo Ordiales taking home the UAAP Players of the Year honors, while Letran's Lara Mae Silva and College of Saint Benilde's Reymark Betco were named the NCAA Players of the Year.
Football Players of the Year honors went to UP's Ramil Bation, FEU's Regine Rebosura, and San Beda's Mark Pellejo.
Meanwhile, Topex Robinson (La Salle), Haydee Ong (UST), Yuri Escueta (San Beda), Ramil de Jesus (La Salle), Dante Alinsunurin (NU), Mayeth Carolino (Letran), and Arnold Laniog (CSB) were recognized as Coaches of the Year in their respective collegiate divisions.
The awards night was also supported by San Miguel Corporation, the Philippine Sports Commission, Converge FiberX, Go for Gold, D'Generals, and Buffalo's Wings N Things.
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