Mike Phillips signs with B.League’s Kyoto Hannaryz
FILE–Gilas Pilipinas’ Mike Phillips during a game against New Zealand in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.–FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The opportunities keep coming for Mike Phillips, who officially signed with B.League club Kyoto Hannaryz on Tuesday.
Fresh off a solid stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of the 2027 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Phillips inked a two-year deal with Kyoto.
“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 in a statement.
READ: Mike Phillips a silver lining for Gilas in loss to Australia
マイケル・フィリップス選手と「りそなグループ B.LEAGUE 2026-27 SEASON」から2027-28シーズンまで、アジア特別選手枠として2年間の複数年契約を締結いたしました。
▼詳細・コメントhttps://t.co/opbAwZlWqo#京都ハンナリーズ #共に登る pic.twitter.com/GCCJr8E7Os
— 京都ハンナリーズ (@kyotohannaryz) July 21, 2026
“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.”
The move came after Phillips left the San Juan Knights in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). His Japan stint also closed the door on the PBA, where he would’ve easily be one of the top picks in the next draft, at least for the duration of his B.League contract.
In the Fiba qualifiers earlier this month, the 24-year-old Phillips averaged 4.0 points and 8.5 rebounds for Gilas against New Zealand and Australia.
More than his numbers, the 6-foot-8 Phillips impressed with his athleticism, high motor and hustlefor Gilas Pilipinas in the will join a
Phillips, the Finals MVP of La Salle’s championship run in UAAP Season 88 last December, will be big boost for a Hannaryz squad which finished with a lowly 20-40 record last season. He’s Kyoto’s first Filipino import since Matthew Wright, who is now with the Saitama Broncos.
