Mike Phillips will get FIBA nod to play as native for Gilas

Two-time UAAP champion Mike Phillips gives Gilas Pilipinas boundless vitality and elite rebounding as FIBA classifies him as a neighborhood participant

MANILA, Philippines – Dimension and relentless motor simply entered the Gilas Pilipinas image.

FIBA has dominated that two-time UAAP champion Mike Phillips is a neighborhood participant, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) introduced on Saturday, February 21.

Phillips’ native standing makes him eligible to swimsuit up as a homegrown participant for the nationwide group if tapped for future FIBA occasions.

“Handa na po akong lumaban para sa ating bansa,” Phillips stated in a press release. “Ibibigay ko lahat ng kaya ko at ang buong puso ko!“

(I’m able to battle for our nation. I’ll give every little thing I can and my entire coronary heart.)”

“I can’t wait to compete alongside my fellow Filipinos as we proceed pushing Philippine basketball ahead,” he added.

The 6-foot-8 Phillips provides to Gilas’ tall frontline led by 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto and 6-foot-10 bigs AJ Edu, Quentin Millora-Brown, and June Mar Fajardo.

The change in Phillips’ standing got here after FIBA raised the passport acquisition requirement for non-restricted (native) participant eligibility from 16 to 18 years outdated final December.

Identified for his relentless motor, Phillips was La Salle’s anchor down low for 5 years, powering the Inexperienced Archers to 3 straight finals in his final three seasons.

In Season 88, Phillips averaged 12.8 factors and a league-leading 14.9 rebounds to go along with 3.1 assists and 1.4 steals, incomes his third Elite Staff choice.

He put up 13.3 factors and 13.7 rebounds within the finals towards the UP Combating Maroons, punctuated by a commanding 25-point, 18-rebound explosion within the title clincher.

Phillips arrived within the Philippines in 2019 after graduating from Creekside Excessive College in Florida.

He first donned the nationwide colours within the 2023 Southeast Asian Video games in Cambodia when he helped Gilas recapture the gold medal, though the biennial showpiece doesn’t comply with FIBA guidelines.

“It’s a blessing and an enormous honor to formally be eligible to symbolize the Philippines. The chance to play for the nationwide group is a longtime dream and an answered prayer! I’m past grateful to FIBA, the SBP, and everybody who supported this course of,” he stated. – Rappler.com