Mike Phillips relishes Gilas opportunity after overcoming brain injuries

Mike Phillips' journey to the Gilas Pilipinas national team is a testament to his resilience, having overcome several brain injuries that once left his basketball future uncertain.

"Full-circle moment ngayon sa panahon sa buhay ko ngayon. Naalala ko lang 'yung sinabi ng doctor ko dati pa, after I had five brain injuries. Sabi niya, 'Baka 'di ka na makapaglaro ng basketball after this.' At ngayon po, makakapaglaro ako para sa bansa natin," he said on Monday.

(This time of my life is a full-circle moment for me. I remember when my doctor said before, after I had five brain injuries, he told me 'You might not be able to play basketball anymore after this.' And now, I will be able to play for our country.)

During Gilas Pilipinas' open practice and send-off, Phillips also revealed that all five injuries occurred during games, with the first two happening in high school and the last three during his collegiate career in the UAAP.

Despite his setbacks in the past, 'Motor Mike' is intent on making the most of his stint with Gilas Pilipinas.

"'Yung dahilan po kung bakit ako nandito ay si God po. Only by the Grace of God. 'Yung pagkakataon na 'yun, malaking blessing po talaga. So gusto ko talaga sulitin po 'yun at tulungan 'yung team kahit papaano and any way I can."

(The reason why I am here is because of God. Only by the Grace of God. This opportunity is a blessing. So I want to make the most of it and help the team any way I can.)

Phillips is among the newest additions to Gilas Pilipinas' 12-man lineup for the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, alongside fellow former De La Salle standout Justine Baltazar, Troy Rosario, and Juan Gomez de Liaño.

The Philippines will face New Zealand on July 3 and Australia on July 6.

—JMB, GMA News