MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas standout and former De La Salle University star Michael “Mike” Phillips is headed to the Japan B.League after signing a two-year contract with Kyoto Hannaryz, marking another major milestone in his rapidly rising basketball career.
Kyoto Hannaryz announced Tuesday that the 6-foot-8 forward-center has joined the club as an Asian Special Quota player for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons, giving the Filipino standout his first full professional stint in one of Asia’s premier basketball leagues.
In a statement posted on the team’s Instagram account, Phillips expressed his excitement about returning to Japan, where he previously competed during his collegiate years.
“I’m truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the Kyoto Hannaryz organization and the B.LEAGUE. During my college years, I had the chance to play in several tournaments in Japan, and those experiences left a strong impression on me. I’m excited to return and experience the passion of basketball in Japan once again,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to giving my all every day alongside my teammates and competing hard for the Kyoto fans and community throughout the season. Thank you very much for your support. I can’t wait to see everyone in Kyoto, and I hope we can have a great season together,” Phillips added.
Phillips heads to Japan following an impressive showing with Gilas Pilipinas in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, further boosting his stock as one of the country’s brightest basketball talents.
His move comes after a decorated collegiate career with the De La Salle Green Archers, where he helped the school capture UAAP men’s basketball championships in 2023 and 2025. He also earned UAAP Mythical Five honors in 2022 and 2025 before being named Finals Most Valuable Player during La Salle’s 2025 title run.
Beyond the UAAP, Phillips won three PBA D-League championships from 2022 to 2024 and claimed the league’s Most Valuable Player award in 2024. He also steered La Salle to championships in the 2025 AsiaBasket College Campus Tour and the 2025 World University Basketball Series in Japan.
On the international stage, Phillips was part of the Philippine team that captured the gold medal in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and has remained a key member of Gilas Pilipinas in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Phillips is the second San Juan Knights-Go for Gold player to secure an overseas contract this year after Gerry Abadiano signed with Korean Basketball League club Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus./PN
