(UPDATE) MIKE Phillips is set to exhaust his playing years in the UAAP as he decided to play his fifth and final season with the De La Salle Green Archers next year.
A two-time Mythical Team member, Phillips made this known after he and the Archers failed to repeat as champs in the Season 87 men's basketball tourney, falling to the UP Fighting Maroons in the deciding Game 3, 66-62, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sunday.
"La Salle, from the top to the bottom, has just taken such great care of me. They have been just the backbone of me and so, I'm definitely, you know, I'm here for La Salle," said Phillips.
"I'm playing every single game. Next year, I'm with La Salle," added the 6-foot-8 bruiser, who registered 17.6 points and 11.6 rebounds in the Finals series.
With Kevin Quiambao finally taking his talents to Korea after three years with La Salle, Phillips is expected to lead the charge for the Archers in Season 88 next year.
Help is on the way for him as transferees Kean Baclaan, Jacob Cortez, and Mason Amos are finally eligible to play next year after redshirting this season.
Known for his hustle and energy, Phillips looks to keep it that way to make the La Salle community proud.
"I hope that, you know, you (La Salle community) still support us. And, you know, I'm going to play my heart and soul out for you guys because you guys came out and showed me what being Lasallian is about. And so, you know, you guys made a commitment, and you've taken care of me so much," said Phillips.
"I'm going to honor that commitment and still play my last year for you guys and just give you everything I have, my whole heart and soul, to really just try to make the Lasallian community proud because they have just taken such great care of me and my family and everyone that I know."