By MARK REY MONTEJO
Whatever will be, will be.
La Salle star Mike Phillips isn’t putting much pressure on himself, be it for the Green Archers bid in the upcoming UAAP season or his possible callup for Gilas Pilipinas in the Southeast Asian Games.
“I’m really praying, whatever God has planned. If it’s God’s will for me to hopefully have an opportunity to try out and be a part of the national team of course,” said Phillips.
And while the 6-foot-8 forward is thrilled just to be part of the considerations for the SEA Games, he was quick to remind himself that the focus right now is La Salle, which is looking to complete the unfinished business from its bridesmaid finish last season.
“I really love to, I’m gonna give everything I can. But of course, right now, it’s really just about staying in the moment, staying in the present moment,” he added.
Of course, the high-flying Phillips turned gleeful when he recalled his time as Gilas member in the 2023 Cambodia edition where the Philippines reclaimed the gold medal in the 5-on-5 men’s basketball event.
“Because playing for the national team is just something that, I don’t know, I can’t put into words. It’s just such an amazing feeling and I’m still sort of on that high from that SEA Games,” Phillips continued.
“I still have my medal, it’s right on my cabinet and I still talk to a lot of the guys that I was with in the SEA Games,” he added.
On Cambodian soil, Phillips was one of the young guns in the Justin Brownlee-led pack whose title redemption bid was spearheaded by coach Chot Reyes. The Gilas claimed the gold via an 80-69 final win over the hometown bets.
His teammate Mason Amos was also there to bring youthful boost for Gilas.
Phillips along with Amos and Jacob Cortez are anticipated to anchor the Green Archers in Season 88 and the Taft-based squad begins its quest at opener this Saturday, Sept. 20, against Adamson.
Meanwhile, UAAP executive Rebo Saguisag and basketball commissioner Jai Reyes stressed that they are willing to accept the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ request of lending several collegiate players.
One of their plans is to shorten the men’s action to give more time to the chosen players who are going to be playing for Gilas in the biennial meet.
According to Mark Molina, Season 88 vice president and representative to the SBP, the bodies are in talks of finding solutions regarding the schedules.
