Phillips ready for SEAG call

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle’s Mike Phillips is more than willing to join the Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December as the UAAP looks to finish its 88th season earlier than usual.

Phillips, arguably the best big man in Philippine collegiate basketball today with D-League MVP and Mythical Team awards, said he’s raring to don national colors once again.

“If it’s God’s will for me to have an opportunity to try out and be part of the national team again, of course I’d really love to. Playing for the national team is one thing I can’t put into words,” Phillips told The STAR ahead of the UAAP Season 88 opener this Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

“It’s such an amazing feeling. I’m still on a high from my last SEA Games with my gold medal on display at home. I still talk to my teammates so I appreciate that many people are really helping push for that dream.”

Phillips was part of the Gilas “Redeem Team” in the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia, where the squad reclaimed the gold medal after a fall to a silver-medal finish in the 31st edition in Hanoi, Vietnam.

He’s one of three collegiate players alongside Jerom Lastimosa and Mason Amos in the pro-backed squad bannered by Gilas naturalized player and Barangay Ginebra resident import Justin Brownlee.