MANILA — Mike Phillips is headed to the Land of the Rising Sun after signing a two-year deal with Kyoto Hannaryz in the Japan B.League.
The club announced on Tuesday that it has secured the services of the 6-foot-7 former De La Salle University star through the 2027-28 season.
"I’m truly honored and grateful for the opportunity," the UAAP Season 88 Finals MVP said in a statement. "During my college years, I had the chance to play in several tournaments in Japan, and those experiences left a strong impression on me."
Phillips' representatives, Tré Sports Management, also confirmed the development through an Instagram post.
"Mike Phillips has signed with the Kyoto Hannaryz for the inaugural B.Premier season in Japan! A proven winner at the collegiate level and now an emerging presence with Gilas Pilipinas, Mike brings elite energy, toughness, versatility, and the relentless motor that has defined his game throughout his career," the post read.
Aside from his basketball skills, the agency highlighted Phillips' ability to communicate in Japanese ahead of his stint in the B.League.
"His ability to communicate in Japanese, English, and Tagalog also gives him a unique opportunity to integrate seamlessly into the organization, connect across cultures, and make an immediate impact both on and off the court," the agency said.
"As Kyoto enters an important new era, Mike’s competitiveness, character, and team-first approach will help elevate the roster and strengthen the club’s connection with fans in Japan and across the Philippines,” it added of what Phillips could bring to Kyoto, which only had 20 wins in 60 games last year.
After helping La Salle win two UAAP championships, Phillips briefly played for the San Juan Knights in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
In 10 appearances, the Filipino-American averaged 8.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
The 24-year-old also made an immediate impact in his FIBA debut for Gilas Pilipinas during the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, averaging four points and 8.5 rebounds in two games.
Phillips became eligible to suit up for the national team after FIBA classified him as a local player last February.
Before that, he was part of the Gilas squad that won the gold medal at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.
Phillips was also recently named the 2026 Collegiate Press Corps Men's Basketball Player of the Year.