Mike Phillips, Kent Pastrana receive Collegiate Basketball Players of the Year awards

De La Salle University's Mike Phillips and University of Santo Tomas' Kent Pastrana were named Collegiate Basketball Players of the Year during the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night held Monday at Discovery Suites Manila.

Pastrana personally received the top honor, the second of her career after also winning the award two years ago.

"Hindi ko naman hinangad ito. Naglaro lang ako at happy ako na nabigyan ako ng opportunity para matupad ang mga pangarap ko," said the graduating Pastrana.

Phillips, who is currently with Gilas Pilipinas, credited God for the recognition.

"It's not by my strength but only by His spirit," said Phillips in a video message.

Phillips also earned a spot on the men's Mythical Team alongside Colegio de San Juan de Letran's Titing Manalili, San Beda University's Janti Miller, University of Santo Tomas' Collins Akowe, and Far Eastern University's Janrey Pasaol.

Pastrana headlined the women's Mythical Team, which also included teammate Brigette Santos, National University's Tin Cayabyab and Karl Ann Pingol, and Ateneo de Manila University's Kacey Dela Rosa, who received a special citation for her contributions to the Gilas Pilipinas women's 5-on-5 and 3x3 teams.

Other standout collegiate athletes honored during the ceremony were volleyball players De La Salle's Angel Canino, Letran's Lara Mae Silva, National University's Leo Ordiales, and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's Reymark Betco, as well as football players University of the Philippines' Ramil Bation III, Far Eastern University's Regine Rebosura, and San Beda University's Marc Pellejo.

Several coaches were also recognized, including basketball mentors Yuri Escueta (San Beda), Topex Robinson (De La Salle), and Haydee Ong (UST), as well as volleyball coaches Ramil de Jesus (De La Salle), Dante Alinsunurin (National University), Arnold Laniog (Benilde), and Mayeth Carolino (Letran).

—JKC, GMA News