Will MJ Phillips play for the Petro Gazz Angels this 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference? It depends.
MJ Phillips returned to the fold of the Petro Gazz Angels on Tuesday.
Coming off a stint with the Gwangju Al Peppers in the Korean V. League (KOVO), Phillips did not suit up for the Angels in their straight-set win over the Cignal HD Spikers in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Still, the 6-foot middle blocker made sure to show support from the sidelines.
“It feels nostalgic to be back here. I mean, I went to the locker room and I just hugged everyone, and we were all jumping up. Just so happy. So, yeah I like being back here again,” Phillips shared.
She then continued, “I’m very impressed with everyone. They look healthy and they’re enjoying. Their adjustment with the Japanese coach seems really good right now.”
Phillips arrived in Manila earlier today, rendering her unavailable to play for Petro Gazz.
Asked when she will see action in the conference, Phillips said that it would depend on the collective decision of the team.
Recall that Petro Gazz listed Phillips in the roster this conference, expecting the former Best Middle Blocker's return after her stint in South Korea.
“I mean I just landed today at 5 a.m., so definitely not today. But we have to talk with management and see where we’re at, whether I can play the next game or probably in the semis, if we can make it to the semis, hopefully,” she said.
Phillips even made her presence felt for Petro Gazz even when she’s still in Korea.
“I’ve been watching Petro Gazz even in Korea. And I always message [Djanel] Cheng after the games just to chat about how it all went down, always supporting,” she shared.
Her return to the league is already on the horizon, but Phillips is not closing the door on another stint in South Korea.
She, along with Creamline’s Tots Carlos and Chery Tiggo’s Mylene Paat, were among 36 hopefuls listed in the 2024 KOVO Women’s Asian Quota Draft.
Phillips had previously been drafted fifth overall by the Gwangju AI Peppers a year ago. She and her team finished last with a dismal 5-31 record. She appeared in all but one of the 36 matches, scoring a total of 256 points.
“I just want to prove that I can still hang with them. Obviously, my stint there, our team didn’t do the greatest but I definitely still want to just keep improving my game every single time,” Phillips said.
The 2024 KOVO tryouts will reportedly be held on April 28 to May 1 in Jeju, which will coincide with at least one semis playdate on April 30.
If the Angels secure a semis berth, Phillips might be unavailable for at least a game.
Nevertheless, she is confident that Petro Gazz has what it takes to succeed with or without her.
“If they need me,” Phillips said when asked if she’s ready to suit up for the Angels.
“I mean, as long as this team wins, and I trust that they can do it with or without me, it doesn’t matter. They’re a strong enough team, so I have faith in them.”