MANILA (Philippines) - Nothing could be more dejecting for athletes than being warned that your career could be over, so just imagine how painful it was for Mike Phillips when he heard as much from his own doctor.
I know I'm going to learn a lot from playing in FIBA games
Yes, it nearly became a reality he had to reluctantly live in after suffering a fifth brain injury during one offseason of his collegiate stint with De La Salle University - something that was never made public until now.
"I still remember what my doctor told me after I had five brain injuries," said the 24-year-old in Filipino, who suffered his first two injuries in high school.
"He told me that I may no longer be able to play basketball after this."
Fast forward to the present and the high-flying 2.03 M (6'8") forward has been enjoying much success, as he's emerged as one of the most exciting players in the country due to his all-out play every given night.
With his resiliency, Phillips is about to realize another dream soon: playing in the FIBA stage, that is, after being named to the Gilas team bound for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers' third window.
"It's really a big deal because FIBA, for me, that's the big time," he offered. "It's the big show ... and I know I'm going to learn a lot from playing in FIBA games, and that's why I'm very excited."
This won't be his first time donning the national colors, though. He previously did so in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), as part of the squad that helped the country bring back the gold medal it lost the year prior.
That campaign, coupled with his exploits in the UAAP and recently with the San Juan Knights in the pro ranks, were enough to convince the men's program that he's a keeper; one it could utilize for years to come.
So, about three years later, Phillips finds himself in a Gilas jersey once again, and expectations have gotten higher in his comeback as he's not just plugged in to supply more ceiling for a unit that still doesn't have Kai Sotto.
He's actually nicknamed 'Motor Mike' due to his athleticism and remarkable locomotor skills for his size, and none other than head coach Tim Cone would want to see his prized ward provide the much needed energy.
"We don't just look at the talent and say, 'He's the most talented player there so therefore, we're gonna get him.' We tried to make him come in and fit the puzzle of the vision that we have for the team, and Mike does that," he said.
"His name is 'Motor Mike' and there's a reason why he's 'Motor Mike;' it's very apt with that nickname. He comes in and goes at it," added the veteran mentor, who was a deputy of Chot Reyes in the aforementioned SEA Games.
Being touted as an energy guy for Gilas is never easy, considering the pedigree of those that fulfilled the exact same role in the past - from Marc Pingris who embodied 'puso' and to Calvin Abueva, to name just two.
He has big shoes to fill, for sure, and it remains to be seen if he'd be able to live up to such a billing, with Cone and the rest of the brain trust still assessing how Phillips would be able to absorb the system and whatnot.
"It's really a matter for Mike how much he could pick up in terms of the system defensively especially, even the offensive system. That's gonna be crucial for Mike," said the 68-year-old bench tactician.
"That will dictate how much time he gets on the floor, how much he's learning in practice," he added.
While he continues to find his place, familiarity is one thing he's been leaning on, having been teammates with guys such as Justin Brownlee and Chris Newsome in the roster that competed in the SEA Games contest.
It also helped that he fought against Carl Tamayo and RJ Abarrientos in college as the two young yet seasoned pros were products of DLSU's rivals in University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University, respectively.
And speaking of college, he also got reunited with his fellow Green Archers - Justine Baltazar, for one, was his captain during his rookie year, and then went on to win a UAAP championship alongside Kevin Quiambao.
"It's nice because I've grown familiar with some of my teammates. I was able to watch the PBA players as well. RJ and Carl were former opponents of mine and I managed to study their tendencies then," he reflected.
"But, they've gotten so much better. And I like our chemistry together - we're a mix of old and new faces," he added. "Really happy to have been included in this Gilas team. A lot of full-circle moments for me."
There's been so much intrigue surrounding Phillips and his upcoming FIBA debut. What's certain, though, is that he'd be more than willing to do whatever the coaches or his teammates would want from his end.
Because at one point, he thought that the game would be taken away from him. Yet the heavens were generous enough to make sure that he'd keep doing what he loves most, thus his gratitude beyond words.
"The only reason why I'm here is because of God - only by the grace of God," said Phillips, who traces his roots to Cebu City. "That's why this chance is a huge blessing for me. And I want to make the most out of it."
FIBA