FIBA reclassifies Mike Phillips as a local Filipino player

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Finally, Mike Phillips is in the building.

Three years after expressing his interest in donning the Gilas Pilipinas national colors, the long wait is now over after the former De La Salle University (DLSU) superstar was reclassified by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) as a local player for the men’s national basketball team, as announced on Feb. 21, 2026.

“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) thanks FIBA for its swift action in hearing our request and classifying Mike Phillips as a player without restriction,” the SBP wrote in a statement.

Placed in a similar situation to Quentin Millora-Brown, Phillips was barred from participating in any FIBA-sanctioned events as a local player, which is why he was excluded from the official pool from 2023 to 2025.

However, on Dec. 5, 2025, a welcoming development paved the way for Phillips’ localization after FIBA changed its passport cutoff age from 16 to 18.

Right after the rule change, the SBP submitted a formal request for Phillips’ reclassification, which FIBA approved a month later.

“It’s a blessing and a huge honor to officially be eligible to represent the Philippines,” Phillips said.

“The opportunity to play for the national team is a longtime dream and an answered prayer! I’m beyond grateful to FIBA, the SBP, and everyone who supported this process.”

Phillips made his Gilas Pilipinas debut in 2023, when he helped the Philippines bag the gold medal during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Despite playing as a rookie under the national team program, Phillips immediately turned heads, recording a +28 efficiency rating, capped off by an energetic performance in the gold medal game against Cambodia.

Phillips recently helped the DLSU Green Archers win the UAAP men’s basketball trophy, where he was also named the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) after dominating UP with 25 points and 18 rebounds.

“Ibibigay ko lahat ng kaya ko at ang buong puso ko! I cannot wait to compete alongside my fellow Filipinos as we continue pushing Philippine basketball forward,” Phillips added.