Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone believes former UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player Mike Phillips is a "difference maker" given his athleticism, energy and youthful zeal.
The American coach has seen the 6-8 Phillips work in practice, with the former La Salle standout showing what he can do during the Philippine team's 92-61 shellacking of the Manawatu Jets last Sunday.
"Motor Mike's presence was felt in all the hustle areas. He's a difference maker with his all-out play," Cone told the Manila Times.
The Filipino-American player tweaked his ankle during the tailend of the big friendly game win over the Jets.
Phillips didn't see action anymore in Gilas' 94-66 triumph over the Franklin Bulls as Cone opted to sit him out.
But the Gilas mentor assured that the 24-year-old Phillips will be ready when the team faces New Zealand on Friday in window 3 of their FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at the Spark Arena in Auckland.
Phillips is actually making his debut as a local [layer, since being reclassified by the world governing body of basketball a few months ago.
Phillips, first donned the Philippine team jersey in 2023 when he helped Gilas regain the basketball gold in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
