Now in his fifth season as a De La Salle Green Archer, Michael Phillips knows an impressive player when he sees one.
After University of Santo Tomas stunned La Salle, 93-84, the 6-foot-8 center didn’t hold back his praise for one of the architects of the Growling Tigers’ big win — rookie big man Collins Akowe.
The Nigerian newcomer directly matched up with Phillips and proved a constant thorn in the Green Archers’ side, finishing with 20 points and 19 rebounds in another standout performance for the Season 88 hosts.
“I like him,” said Phillips.
“He’s very, very, very competitive. He has a really good motor.
“I think he’s really big and that they know how to use him well. I think he’s embracing the system of the coaches over there. I’m excited for the next matchups and I’m gonna keep an eye out for him since he’s a good player,” added the two-time UAAP Mythical Team member.
Phillips compared Akowe to another formidable center he faced back in Season 87 — Quentin Millora-Brown of UP, who stands at the same height and was a key reason the Fighting Maroons prevailed last year.
Both Akowe and Millora-Brown stand at 6-foot-10, dominate the paint, and have the ability to neutralize Phillips’ impact. For the SEA Games gold medalist, they represent worthy rivals because of what they contribute to their teams, past, present, and future.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Both of them, like I said, have high motor,” said Phillips. “They’re big and tall, and very mobile. The effort is there and both of them crash the boards really hard. Both guys are really gonna give you a lot of problems because they’re good on both ends.
“I really think about the biggest impact from both of them, which is their rebounding ability that gives those extra possessions to their teammates and really just having that presence.”
There’s still no definite date for Phillips to face Akowe again, but all eyes will be on their next encounter. The outcome of their individual battle could very well dictate which team takes the win.
For Phillips and the Green Archers, this early setback is already fueling their redemption campaign.
“I have some ideas and I’m gonna look at the film tonight,” he said.
“Not just on Akowe but our entire approach to the game. I’m really grateful that God gave us this blessing at the right time. We’re all gonna put our heads together and see what we could do better and take it to our next game against FEU.”
#WATCH: Mike Phillips praises Collins Akowe; admits UST loss might be the wake-up call they needed 🏹🏀
📹 @lorenzodelc /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/dt9h7dHWYr
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 27, 2025
