Aside from De La Salle University’s pursuit of a second consecutive title, senior center Mike Phillips has added motivation to their title defense in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament Finals.
Phillips was a key contributor in La Salle’s 70-55 rout of Adamson University in the Final Four on Saturday night. He finished with eight points, eight rebounds, and five steals.
And he feels determined to give everything he has left for the Green Archers’ seniors, especially for graduating guard and “big brother” Joshua David.
David has been part of La Salle since 2019 but missed Season 82 due to a torn ACL.
He then suffered the same injury during a tune-up match against Adamson just days before his planned rookie debut in Season 84. The long rehabilitation process also kept him out of Season 85.
Despite the challenges David has faced, Phillips explained that David has consistently shown compassion, unselfishness, and leadership qualities since joining the team.
“Josh is someone who I personally draw inspiration from. I always say this, that ever since I first came here to La Salle, he was like a kuya to me. We all got to witness his fight and his struggles with his injury,” Phillips, a presumptive member of the Season 87 Mythical Five, told reporters.
He went on, “Josh’s time in La Salle may come to an end, but what he’s leaving behind will stay for years. I’m not sure if he realizes that, but every little thing he does is part of our culture.”
Phillips added, “He’s one of the best shooters on the team, but he’s always looking for his teammates. Those are the things that are going to last in the team, which coach Topex reminded us of in the locker room.
“We’re trying to build something that will last, and we’re trying to continue a tradition. The things Kuya Josh does are so important to us. Even if he leaves, he’s always going to be a part of the team.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In a team filled with stars like presumptive Season 87 MVP Kevin Quiambao and Phillips, David’s impact has been undeniable.
He finished ninth in the MVP race with 54.786 statistical points, averaging 6.0 points, 5.79 rebounds, 4.21 assists, and 1.0 steals.
David also contributed 11 points, three assists, two rebounds, and one steal in the Green Archers’ victory over the Soaring Falcons.
Despite the setbacks that have marked his early years with La Salle, the 22-year-old Pampanga native is now laser-focused on giving his all in the upcoming Finals rematch against University of the Philippines.
He’s determined not only for the Green Archers but also for the “younger brothers” he will leave behind after the season ends.
“Sabi nga ni Coach Topex, masaya kami na bumalik sa finals, pero itong game na ito nag-start talaga sa defense namin. Yung gusto ko ngayon ay naglaro kami as a team. Kumbaga, lagi rineremind ng coaches namin na kailangan laruin yung laro namin. So magandang baon ito para sa amin,” David shared.
“Sana yung ganitong teamwork namin magtuloy-tuloy kasi ako ibibigay ko na lahat ko since last dance ko na ito, and sure naman ako na magiging consistent kami with our teamwork para hopefully, manatili sa amin yung championship.”
