Throughout his four-year tenure at De La Salle University, Mike Phillips has consistently demonstrated that he ranks among the elite big men in the collegiate landscape.
After the first round of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament, Phillips has emerged as a reliable double-double threat. He has averaged 10 points, 11.57 rebounds, 1.71 steals, and 1.0 block per game.
The 6-foot-8 La Salle big man faced his toughest competition to date in the form of University of the Philippines center Quentin Millora-Brown, a one-and-done player.
Despite Millora-Brown finishing with 10 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, and two blocks, he managed to limit Phillips to a season-low four points, along with eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block.
However, the Green Archers still secured a 68-56 victory.
“He gave me a hard time, a really hard time. Basketball player to basketball player, I have a lot of respect for him. He’s so active, and I think UP should be very happy to have a guy like that,” Phillips stated.
“One of my main focuses in my game is effort – doing all the dirty work. He also epitomizes that; he’s the kind of player who gives his all. He doesn’t care about scoring or shooting threes; he’s really about doing the little things,” he continued.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
If there’s one lesson Phillips took from his first match-up with Millora-Brown, it’s the importance of passing skills, something that the latter offers for UP.
While Millora-Brown has only dished out six assists in seven games, Phillips cautioned the league not to underestimate the former’s vision and passing IQ.
“I think one of the underrated aspects of his game is that he’s a really good passer. Anyone can excel inside, but that passing ability opens up the floor,” he shared.
As the season progresses, Phillips hopes their budding rivalry will motivate both players to improve their skills and contribute to their teams’ championship aspirations.
Both La Salle and UP finished the first round with 6-1 records, but La Salle’s victory pushed them to solo first in the standings, handing the Fighting Maroons their first loss of the season.
“I learned from him, and hopefully, this will spark a rivalry that helps us both get better. It was really fun; he never stops moving. I’m not sure how many playing years he has left, but he should enjoy this one-and-done experience at UP,” the 32nd SEA Games gold medalist added.
“He brings a lot of energy to the team, which is something I’ve always aimed to do on any team I’ve played for. He’s a selfless guy, really trying to be a superstar in his role. It was a great experience going up against him.”
