While the passing of a loved one can bring a person to their lowest point, some people turn this tragedy into much-needed motivation.
Fourth-year big man Mike Phillips emerged as a pivotal player in De La Salle University’s 88-67 victory over the University of Santo Tomas, keeping the Green Archers in solo second place in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Phillips finished the game with 12 points, 18 rebounds, two assists, and one block, propelling his team to a morale-boosting win before their finals rematch against the University of the Philippines to close out the first round of play.
It was revealed that the entire La Salle basketball team, especially the 21-year-old bruiser, was reeling from the passing of dormitory security guard Doleo Susalta on Friday night, September 27.
Holding back tears during the post-game press conference, Phillips expressed how Susalta went above and beyond — not only for the Green Archers, but also for him. Susalta would even comfort him during his “darkest days.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“I think his spirit, I was playing for him tonight. He’s someone that meant a lot to me; he really taught me a lot,” shared the Wellspring Christian Family School product.
“He’s not just a guard… He always did so much, and a lot of times, he did night duty and put in the extra effort to make sure we were taken care of,” he continued.
Phillips, known for his deep Christian faith, also acknowledged how God brought the two of them together to bond over their shared beliefs.
When the 6-foot-8 player joined La Salle in 2020, the sudden pause during the pandemic allowed him to strengthen his faith, a bond that he and Susalta shared.
“When I was really in dark places before, I don’t know why God just kind of brought us together, and he was always open,” the UAAP Season 84 Mythical Five member revealed.
“He would always check in on us, and I would talk to him for hours at night… He would always listen to anything I had, and I learned so much from him about what it means to be a Christian here.”
