Ben Phillips proved that he is more than just a bruiser during De La Salle University’s thrilling 81-78 escape of Adamson University on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Yes, he has evolved into a marksman from deep.
And he delivered it when it mattered most as he made all of his three conversions from rainbow country in the all-important fourth period.
His 3-of-6 clip from behind the arc improved his numbers this Season 85 to 6-of-15 in 10 games played.
That was a big improvement from Season 84, where the Miami University alumnus only shot five total three-pointers in 16 outings, only making one.
Phillips shared that he started to work on his outside shooting when Green Archers coach Derrick Pumaren listed him in the team’s 3×3 lineup last season.
3×3, a fast-paced halfcourt game with just three cagers a side, requires most of its players the ability to be three-way scorers who can do it all everywhere on the floor.
Back in June, the quartet of Phillips, Emman Galman, Ralph Cu, and Donn Lim captured silver in 3×3 at the CaSoBe Resort in Calatagan, Batangas
“I had to credit that to Coach Manong kasi he played me in the 3×3 tournament last season. It was really a confidence-booster talaga like for me,” said the older half of the Phillips brothers in La Salle.
Tasked to have a wider range, Phillips did not look far for inspiration and a role model.
Playing last season with Justine Baltazar, who began shooting threes when he played for Gilas Pilipinas, Phillips took notes as well from Green Archers’ other national team player Kevin Quiambao.
“I really focused on my outside shot so I know that I want to add another element to the team this year so I kinda studied Balti a lot and take a lot of notes from our Gilas standout Kevin and how they can stretch the floor,” said Phillips, who finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, and two steals.
“So I really wanna learn from those guys and I was able to produce today.”
