By MARK REY MONTEJO
With his relentless style of play at the collegiate level, La Salle skipper Mike Phillips has long been an apple of the eye for basketball scouts and agents, making it no surprise that some professional teams are already planning to pursue him.
Amid reports circulating on social media that he had received offers from the MPBL, a professional league in the country, and from other overseas tournaments, Phillips flatly denied the rumors.
To his knowledge, no teams have approached him so far.
“Actually right now wala pa, si kuya Ben [Phillips] po talaga ang nag-handle sa lahat,” said Phillips. “He’s been really handling everything so I can focus, just grateful to have a kuya like that.”
Earlier this year, Phillips also expressed his interest in playing locally, particularly in the PBA.
After staying true to his promise last year, Phillips went all out and capped off his five-year stint with the Green Archers as a Finals MVP on top of two championships.
He played his final UAAP game in a spectacular fashion after posting 25 points and 18 rebounds to power La Salle to an 80-72 Game 3 triumph and dethroned the reigning champion University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
For now, the athletic 6-foot-8 big man wants to bask in the moment of being a UAAP champion and celebrate it with his loved ones.
“I just want to go home and see my mom and dad first hug them so tight, and go to Kuya Ben’s wedding next year in August,” Phillips continued.
“Also to savor the moment and have a break, and let’s see where the future goes with God’s guidance,” he added.
