MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas big man Mike Phillips signed with the Kyoto Hannaryz to continue his professional career in Japan's B. League.
Kyoto announced on Tuesday that it signed the former De La Salle Green Archer to a 2-year contract.
"We are pleased to announce that we have signed a multi-year contract with Michael Phillips as an Asian Special Player, covering the Resona Group B.LEAGUE 2026-27 season through to the 2027-28 season," Kyoto wrote in a statement.
Hannaryz general manager Naoki Murakami gushed over Phillips' on-court abilities.
"We are delighted to have reached a contract agreement with Michael Phillips.
His greatest strengths are his overwhelming mobility and his unwavering dedication to the team," said Murakami.
"He runs at full speed in every situation, dives for loose balls, grabs rebounds, and supports his teammates on defense. We believe that our fans will quickly understand why he is called "Motor Mike" because of his playing style. We expect that his presence will further raise the team's playing speed, intensity, and energy level, accelerating the style of basketball that Kyoto Hannaryz aims for."
The 6-foot-8 Phillips last saw action at the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers, playing for the Philippines against New Zealand and Australia.
Phillips averaged 4.0 points and 8.5 in those pair of games that Gilas lost.
After helping lead La Salle to the UAAP Season 88 championship last year, Phillips played for the San Juan Knights in the MPBL.
The 24-year-old continues his professional career with the Hannaryz, expressing excitement to make his Japan return.
"I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the Kyoto Hannaryz organization and the B.LEAGUE. During my college years, I had the chance to play in several tournaments in Japan, and those experiences left a strong impression on me," said Phillips.
"I'm excited to return and experience the passion of basketball in Japan once again. I'm looking forward to giving my all every day alongside my teammates and competing hard for the Kyoto fans and community throughout the season."
