Unable to join the PBA Draft while the UAAP season is still ongoing, Mike Phillips has his eyes set on keeping himself in the Philippines once he graduates from La Salle.
Mike Phillips is among the biggest names missing from 2025 PBA Draft, as eligibility rules barred the the La Salle star from making himself available while the UAAP season is ongoing.
With the Green Archers coming off a tough three-game Finals loss to UP in Season 87, a chance at redemption for UAAP Season 88 was too much to pass up for the high-flying forward.
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But even if Phillips opted to skip this year’s PBA Draft in favor of playing his final year with La Salle, there is still a lot of hope for him to keep his talents in the Philippines, even as overseas leagues continue to knock on the door.
Mike Phillips will play out UAAP Season 88 with La Salle after skipping the PBA 50 Draft. Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
“You know, a lot of times, I’m just focusing [on what’s in front of me] but a lot of times, I can’t help but kind of peek into the future and kind of see,” Phillips told One Sports during the UAAP Season 88 Media Day.
“But really, I give those thoughts to God because you know, personally, the Philippines has taken such good care of me,” he added.
Having been accustomed to the Philippine brand of basketball, Phillips is feeling right at home with La Salle in the UAAP, and hopefully in the PBA or other local leagues too after Season 88.
Always driven by family, Phillips also said that he plans to bring his parents home to the Philippines, which will give more credence to staying in the country when he graduates.
While things are still up in the air with regards to his future for now, there is no doubt about Phillips’ passion for Philippine basketball.
“It is my dream to really, you know, retire my parents here and so, God-willing, if it’s God’s plan for me to be able to stay here and really continue my love and my passion for basketball in the Philippines, it would be the greatest blessing ever,” he said.
First, though, Phillips will be tasked to lead the Green Archers in a redemption bid in UAAP Season 88 and lead them into a new age after Kevin Quiambao’s exit.
Joining Phillips will be deadly 1-2 punch of Jacob Cortez and Kean Baclaan, transferee Mason Amos, and incoming rookie Lebron Jhames Daep.