De La Salle University star Mike Phillips in action in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News.MANILA — The modern-day UAAP has seen a lot of players transfer from one institution to another, may it be from high school to college, or from one university to another.

May it be academics, better opportunities, or other reasons, it has become rare for one to exhaust all of his playing years with one school, especially in recent years as others even opt to turn professional even before graduating.

But there is Mike Phillips who has vowed to suit up for De La Salle University for his last year of eligibility in the collegiate ranks.

READ: UP reigns over La Salle for UAAP championship glory

READ: Kevin Quiambao was La Salle’s gift that kept on giving

Despite already being one of the sought-after prospects due to his size, skills, and energy, ‘Motor Mike’ has made it clear that he will remain in Taft Avenue to play every single game for the Green Archers in Season 88 despite the heartbreak of this year’s Finals.

“Thank You, Lord. Thank You, Jesus. Both good and bad come from the Lord, and I may not see it now, but this is part of His plans,” said the 6-foot-8, former Gilas Pilipinas big man as he reflected on their three-game loss to the University of the Philippines. “I couldn’t be happier with the team, with the community, and I really gave my flowers to both UP and La Salle.”

“La Salle has given me everything that I have, so I just want to play and be a part of La Salle for my last year with my brothers,” he added.

After he arrived in Season 84, Mike, together with his brothers Ben and Isaiah, became one of La Salle’s pillars and eventually helped the Green Archers win a championship in Season 86.

He continued to make his presence felt in the recently-concluded season, his fourth with the Green and White, and was the runner-up MVP to his teammate Kevin Quiambao. He capped it off with a Finals appearance wherein he posted 17.6 points and 11.6 rebounds in three games.

“I was really proud of how we fought. When the Xs and Os went wrong, when nothing seemed to be going right, the guys still showed fight,” said Phillips. “So I told them that there is nothing to be ashamed of. They gave everything, and I’m so proud of them.”

For Mike, it is now about giving back to the institution that embraced him and his brothers, and he vows to never miss a game for DLSU when Season 88 comes.

“God has led me to La Salle. I took my biggest leap of faith coming here. It was so hard for me to get out of my comfort zone, and La Salle has taken good care of me, so I’m with La Salle,” he shared.

“The whole Lasallian community has given me so much. They have taken good care of me and my family, and I want to give it my all in my next year, my last year. You guys made a commitment, so I’m gonna honor that commitment and play my last year. I’m playing every single game next year,” he added.

Phillips will be joined by newcomers Mason Amos, Jacob Cortez, Luis Pablo, and Kean Baclaan when they look to reclaim the UAAP championship next year.

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