Michael Phillips is keeping his eyes on the ultimate prize: a UAAP championship with De La Salle University.
In his final collegiate season, the fifth-year big man isn’t chasing the Most Valuable Player award, focusing instead on helping the Green Archers achieve team glory.
Fresh off a pivotal 86-77 victory over the UST Growling Tigers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Phillips shared that he avoids letting personal accolades dictate his play.
“It’s okay. I really try not to think about it too much,” said the 23-year-old Phillips, who tallied six points, six assists, and 13 rebounds against UST.
“Before, I kind of let it get to my head, and it took me away from what I was supposed to do for the team. Now, I just give it to God and get it out of my mind so I can focus on what we want to do as a team.”
The Green Archers’ dependable forward added, “It really could get into your head if you let it, but I just pray that God takes away any pride or distractions. I focus on what I can do for the team because, at the end of the day, my biggest goal is to win a championship in my last year.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Phillips has amassed 84.429 statistical points during the first round, averaging 13.29 points, 15.71 rebounds, 3.57 assists, and 1.29 steals. La Salle finished with a 4-3 record.
With Nigerian center Collins Akowe ineligible for the MVP award, Phillips’ closest contender is Far Eastern University sophomore Janrey Pasaol, who has 80.429 SPs from averages of 18.29 points, 6.57 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.14 steals.
A Season 86 gold medalist, Phillips could become the sixth Green Archer to earn MVP honors, joining Jun Limpot, Mark Telan, Don Allado, Ben Mbala, and former teammate Kevin Quiambao.
Despite the allure of individual milestones, Phillips maintains that prioritizing awards over team success can backfire.
“It’s actually a funny perspective,” he said.
“I’ve found that when you focus on individual awards, you usually don’t get them, and it can hurt both you and your team. If you genuinely disregard them and focus on the team, suddenly the awards come.
“I’m just trying to be the best at my role on the team. If that leads to an individual award, I’m happy, but I won’t sacrifice my teammates for personal success. That applies to everything — focus on the team, and if the awards come, that’s just the icing on the cake,” the graduating center closed.
#WATCH: Mike Phillips puts La Salle over himself while leading the #UAAPSeason88 MVP race 🏹🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/fFA3RSL4ps
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— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) October 25, 2025
