UAAP: Mike Phillips says faith fueling La Salle

La Salle’s Mike Phillips wearing shooting sleeves with “God Did” written on it during a game against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle big man Mike Phillips is a man of faith and he’s very expressive about it.

In the Green Archers’ rout of rival Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, Phillips wore shooting sleeves with the words “God Did” printed on it.

Phillips said the phrase is his words to live by and the entire La Salle team has embraced it as well.

“Grabe malaking epekto sa akin kasi grabe talaga ang Diyos sa journey naming team. We’re all bonded by basketball but what really bonded us together was our love for Jesus Christ. And God did. God was there for us in our highs and lows,” Phillips told Inquirer Sports.

READ: UAAP: La Salle’s strong bond, togetherness evident in latest win

Mike Phillips shares the story of “God did” on his arm sleeves. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/JBMn2O3I9H

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 15, 2024

“When I was at the very, very rock bottom, where my whole world was just… I was so overwhelmed. God showed me that he was the rock at the bottom.”

Inspired, Phillips unleashed 13 points and 14 rebounds on top of three steals and two assists to help La Salle stay unbeaten in three games.

In the opener of their title defense against National University, Phillips wrote “God did” on his shooting sleeves. La Salle assistant coach Gian Nazario noticed it and said it would likely get wiped off while playing. Nazario gave him a pair of shooting sleeves on the next practice and he’s been using it since then as the Green Archers won their first three games.

Earl Abadam also has Psalm 23 printed on his arm sleeve and Lian Ramiro wore a wristband with a printed cross.

The 6-foot-8 Phillips said the Green Archers’ faith in each other and God has led them to a successful title run. That’s why they have been saying the phrase since ruling Season 86 by a finals series comeback against the University of the Philippines.

READ: UAAP: La Salle remains unbeaten, sends Ateneo to 0-3 start

Phillips also wears jersey No. 25 for the bible verse Psalm 25:1 “In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.”

“That word trust has a big meaning for us, trust in God, trust in our teammates. When we say God did it’s a reminder of our faith in each other, our faith in Jesus, just what we went through as a team and during last season,” he said. “My faith is who I am. It’s the center of who I am, where I get my strength from, where I get my weakness from, and in the Lord Jesus Christ I’m complete.”

Phillips is grateful to be part of the historic rivalry even in his fourth year, admitting he’s still feeling a lot of emotions playing in front of thousands. But he was able to pull through in leading his teammates and providing unmatched energy. 

“When I say I get my strength from the Lord, it’s just the Man from above, it’s all my teammates. So when I see these guys, they’re serving each other, it’s an inspiration for me, so my faith is a big part of where I get my strength from. Even when I’m tired, I look to my teammates, I see Jesus in them, I see Jesus Christ in my teammates so when I’m growing tired, I just look to them, and I look to the Lord above to get my strength and so,” said Phillips in the postgame press conference.

READ: ‘Punched in the mouth,’ Mike Phillips vows La Salle fightback

“It’s bigger than basketball for me because this is a family that I’ve been a part of for five or six years and every time I’m with them, I get emotional because they’re extensions of Jesus Christ and coach Topex came in and really put that culture here.”

Despite the strong start, Phillips urges the Green Archers to stay grounded and consistent as they battle University of the East on Sunday.

Expect all season long that Phillips will continue to honor God through his basketball.

“We’re going [to wear] a couple of designs, too. May leg sleeves and stuff. You saw Lian Ramiro he has a custom wristband with a cross on it. Just things like that to kinda help inspire and share God’s greatness,” he said.