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‘Motor Mike’s’ upcoming FIBA debut isn’t just a dream come true — it’s a reminder of how blessed he is to still play the game that he loves.
In the first place, Mike Phillips wasn’t supposed to be here. To be exact, he was no longer supposed to play basketball at this point of his career.
During his high school days in Florida, and even in college with De La Salle University, Phillips suffered multiple concussions, and at some point, he was already warned that his basketball dreams could come to an abrupt end.
But fast forward to today, Motor Mike is a week away from his long-awaited FIBA debut, being called up to Gilas Pilipinas for Window 3 of the 2027 World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
“Napakasaya po ako na nasa Gilas ako. Kumbaga, madaming full circle moment ngayon sa buhay ko,” Phillips told the media during a send-off event held last Monday, June 22, at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
“Naalala ko lang ‘yung sinabi ng doctor ko dati pa after I had five brain injuries, sabi ng doctor na baka ‘di ka na makapaglaro ng basketball after this. Tapos ngayon po, nakakapaglaro na ako para sa bansa natin.”
Phillips becomes the latest addition to Gilas’ frontline under Tim Cone as he links up with AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, and the returning Balti Baltazar for this window. This, as Quentin Millora-Brown recovers from back surgery, and Kai Sotto resumes his attempt to make the NBA.
Although Phillips first played for Gilas in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, playing as a FIBA local carries a special meaning for the big man.
“‘Yung pagiging local ko, ‘yun talaga ‘yung pangarap ko at ‘yun talaga ‘yung pinagtatrabahuhan namin ng ilang years na…talagang alam ko na marami akong matutunan sa FIBA games kaya sobrang excited po ako,” Mike said.
“‘Yung Gilas, ‘yung FIBA, ‘yun ‘yung big time talaga — ‘yung big show.”
What Tim Cone Expects From Mike Phillips in His FIBA Debut
For his part, Cone is just as excited to have Phillips onboard, given the relentless hustle he brings to the floor.
“His name is Motor Mike, and there’s a reason why he’s Motor Mike — he comes in and goes at it,” Cone said of the two-time UAAP champion. “We haven’t had Mike and Troy [Rosario] in practice yet, and we might see some sparks fly, some fireworks going between those two because they both have tremendous motors.”
“So that will lift up the energy of our team I think, and it’s really just a matter for Mike how much he can pick up in terms of the system. Defensively especially, even the offensive system. That’s going to be crucial for Mike and that will dictate how much time he gets on the floor.”
Phillips promised to leave it all on the floor when he makes his FIBA debut starting this July 3 against the New Zealand Tall Blacks.
“Ang dahilan kung bakit nandito ako ay through the grace of God, so sa pagkakataon na ito, malaking blessing po talaga. So gusto ko sulitin (the opportunity) and tutulungan ko po ‘yung team kahit papaano.”
Images from Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mike Phillips, nicknamed “Motor Mike,” is a Filipino-American basketball player who competes in the UAAP and PBA. A two-time UAAP champion, he earned FIBA local status and was called up to Gilas Pilipinas for Window 3 of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
FIBA local status means a player is classified as a local — not a naturalized or import player — for international competition purposes. For Phillips, earning this classification means he can represent Gilas Pilipinas in official FIBA windows as a Filipino local, a milestone he had been working toward for several years.
Mike Phillips suffered five brain injuries — during his high school years in Florida and his college career at De La Salle University. A doctor warned him that his basketball career could end as a result. He recovered and continued playing, eventually earning a Gilas Pilipinas call-up for FIBA competition.
Window 3 refers to the third round of games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, the qualification series for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Gilas Pilipinas opens Window 3 against the New Zealand Tall Blacks on July 3.
Gilas Pilipinas’ frontline for Window 3 includes AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, and the returning Balti Baltazar. Quentin Millora-Brown is out recovering from back surgery, while Kai Sotto is pursuing an NBA roster spot. Mike Phillips joins the group as a frontline addition under head coach Tim Cone.
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