Gilas Pilipinas may have lost both games in the third window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, but the team returned to the Philippines with a positive takeaway: the impressive debut of new member Mike Phillips.
Cone Praises 'Motor Mike'
Head coach Tim Cone lauded Phillips, whom he nicknamed 'Motor Mike,' for his infectious enthusiasm on the court. “His nickname is ‘Motor Mike,’ and there’s a reason for that. He plays with so much enthusiasm, and that’s something that our fans will appreciate,” Cone told spin.ph.
Cone made the remarks after Gilas suffered a 49-92 defeat to the Australia Boomers on Monday night, July 6, 2026, in Perth.
Phillips' Stellar Debut
Phillips, the UAAP Season 88 Finals MVP from De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, collected 14 rebounds, six points, one steal, and one block against the Boomers—enough to earn Cone's praise in his first game with Gilas. “He was one of the bright lights for us. He’s very, very infectious,” Cone added.
Phillips also performed well in Gilas' double-overtime loss to the New Zealand Tall Blacks, 106-102, in their first game of the third window.
Next Games for Gilas
Gilas will return to action in the second round, hosting Jordan on August 28 and Iran on August 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
