Sports

Game Changer: FIBA Declares La Salle’s Mike Phillips a ‘Local’ — Now Fully Eligible for Gilas Pilipinas

Tabloid PH Newsdesk

Feb 23, 2026 — 1 min read

Photo: The Manila Times

Huge news for Philippine basketball! FIBA has officially reclassified De La Salle University’s Mike Phillips as a local player, removing the ‘naturalized’ tag that previously restricted him from suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in major international tournaments.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced the development on Saturday, thanking FIBA ‘for its swift action in hearing our request and classifying Mike Phillips as a player without restriction.’ This means the 6-foot-6 Filipino-American can now represent the country in ALL FIBA competitions.

Phillips already wore the national team jersey when Gilas reclaimed the gold medal at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh under coach Chot Reyes. But his previous naturalized status kept him out of the 2025 SEA Games in Bangkok, much to the frustration of fans.

‘It’s a blessing and a huge honor to officially be eligible to represent the Philippines. The opportunity to play for the national team is a longtime dream and an answered prayer!’ Phillips said. ‘I’m ready to fight for our country.’

The UAAP Season 88 Finals MVP recently led the Green Archers to the men’s basketball championship, averaging 13.3 points and 13.7 rebounds in the title series against UP. With Phillips now unrestricted and Gilas gearing up for World Cup qualifiers, this is a major boost para sa Philippine basketball.

Source: The Manila Times

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Hontiveros Flies to Pag-asa Island, Calls for ‘Continuous Pushback’ Against China in the West Philippine Sea

NFA Sells 32.5 Million Kilos of Aged Rice in One Day, Rakes In Nearly ₱1 Billion — and Opens Warehouse Space for Farmers

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Forget Rallies — This New Anti-Corruption Movement Sends Citizens to Inspect Government Projects Themselves