Mike Phillips (basketball, born 2002)

Not to be confused with Mike Phillips (basketball, born 1956).
Mike Phillips
Free agent
Personal information
Born2002 (age 23–24)
United States
NationalityFilipino / American
Listed height6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Career information
High schoolCreekside (St. Johns, Florida)
CollegeDe La Salle (2022–2025)
Career highlights
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing  Philippines
SEA Games
2023 Cambodia Team

Michael Phillips (born 2002) is a Filipino basketball player who last played for the De La Salle Green Archers in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines

Early life and education

Mike Phillips was born in 2002, and grew up in Florida in the United States.[1][2] He attended Creekside High School.[3] He moved to the Philippines in 2019 to attend the De La Salle University pursuing a degree in marketing management.[2][3][4]

Career

High school

Phillips played 19 games for the Creekside Knights, averaging 12.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks.[5]

College

Phillips played for the De La Salle Green Archers in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and was known by the moniker "Motor Mike". He debuted in Season 84 in 2022.[6][7] He was named to the UAAP Mythical Team for that season.[8] He later helped his school win two UAAP men's basketball championships in Season 86 (2023) and Seasons 88 (2025). He was also named Finals MVP in Season 88.[9][10]

He also led La Salle in the 2025 World University Basketball Series in Japan.[11]

National team

Phillips has publicly expressed his availability to play for the Philippine national team as early as 2022.[12] However he reportedly was unable to obtain a Philippine passport by age 16 rendering him a restricted or "naturalized" player under FIBA eligibility rules.[13] He played for the Philippine national team which won the gold medal at the men's basketball tournament of the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.[14][15] In February 2026, FIBA has reclassified Phillips as a local or unrestricted player.[3]

Personal life

Phillips traces his Filipino heritage from his grandmother Carmelita Colina who hails from Cebu City.[4] He is also vocal about his Christian faith which guides his basketball career.[16][17] Despite being born abroad, he is noted for his fluency in speaking the Filipino language.[2][10] His older brother, Banjamin is also a basketball player and has also suited up for the Green Archers.[5][18]

References

  1. ^ Tolosa, James (July 6, 2025). "Mike Phillips celebrates 23rd birthday with Green Archers teammates in Greenhills". Fastbreak. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  2. ^ a b c Riego, Normie (August 8, 2022). "Trash-talking as an icebreaker: How Mike Phillips is making friends while having an impact for La Salle Green Archers". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  3. ^ a b c Dongiapon, Rob Andrew (February 21, 2026). "Born ready: Mike Phillips gets FIBA nod to play as local for Gilas". Rappler. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  4. ^ a b Henson, Joaquin (December 27, 2025). "What's next for Mike?". Philstar.com. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  5. ^ a b Leongson, Randolph (July 7, 2020). "Teen 6-8 Fil-Am brods are latest pieces in La Salle rebuild under Pumaren". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  6. ^ "Follow captain Phillips and everything will be alright, La Salle". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. October 15, 2025. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  7. ^ Ballecer, R. J. (December 18, 2025). "Mike Phillips Leaves DLSU as a Champion With Purpose". The Game. One Mega Group. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  8. ^ "Tamayo, Phillips make Mythical Team as UAAP says all-league team is positionless". Tiebreaker Times. May 10, 2022. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  9. ^ del Carmen, Lorenzo (December 10, 2023). "'Motor Mike' grateful to Topex for turning Phillips bros' dreams into reality". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  10. ^ a b Isaga, JR (December 31, 2025). "God and guts: How Mike Phillips became the ideal UAAP icon". Rappler. Archived from the original on December 31, 2025. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  11. ^ Ambat, Pao (August 9, 2025). "Mike Phillips block helps DLSU survive late Chinese Taipei stand in WUBS 2025 opener". One Sports. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  12. ^ Leongson, Randolph (August 26, 2022). "Fil-Am banger Michael Phillips makes himself available for Gilas callup". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  13. ^ Li, Matthew (September 19, 2022). "Mike Phillips classified as 'naturalized' by FIBA". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  14. ^ Riego, Normie (May 24, 2023). "La Salle's Mike Phillips turns his attention to another 'Redeem Team'". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  15. ^ Ventura, Sid (May 7, 2023). "As Gilas Pilipinas confirm 'Redeem Team' roster, what sort of threat will their main Southeast Asian Games rivals pose?". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  16. ^ Garcia, John Mark (December 18, 2025). "Captain Phillips leads La Salle in faith, service, communion". Spin.ph. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  17. ^ Velasco, Jamie (October 4, 2025). "La Salle's Mike Phillips finds strength through unwavering faith". One Sports. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  18. ^ Li, Matthew (July 7, 2020). "6-foot-8 Phillips bros to play for La Salle". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
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