Mike Phillips leads DLSU Green Archers despite heavy heart

The De La Salle Green Archers went up 5-1 after their impressive win against the UST Growling Tigers, 67-88. 

Top-scoring Green Archer Mike Phillips recorded 12 points plus a massive 18 rebounds. The great runs and scores aside, Phillips admitted that he came into the game with a heavy heart.

“I’ll just give my honest thoughts, ‘cause you guys give me the courage to kind of speak my mind. First of all, I’ve actually been going through a lot of spiritual warfare,” he said.

“I don’t know what it is, I’m sure if you guys have been in that situation, where just everything kind of feels dark, something’s not right. You don’t feel right. You just kind of feel overwhelmed, and the world’s kind of spinning around you.”

Still going through the emotional journey, Phillips said he held onto his faith and reached out to God for clarity. The family he has with DLSU helped him get going, something he’s really thankful for. 

“I just try my hardest and really call out to God. It’s just been really, really hard, but I’m just grateful for God because He gave me a family here.”

He believed that God answered his prayers through his teammates and his coaches. For that, he’s also grateful for the team having each other’s backs. With that, Phillips believed he shouldn’t take all the credit for the win. 

“I think I kind of speak for everyone and my teammates, we can’t really do this on our own. I don’t want to put myself in a personal light because I’m just part of the team.”

He also shared that everyone else in the team may be going through the same situation. However, it’s notable that La Salle didn’t fail to provide them the support they need, even emotionally. Phillips said that the institution sees and treats them as humans.

“Through all the ups and downs, [La Salle doesn’t] drag us down when we make mistakes. They’re really there for us outside those four lines on the court, and they really make the extra effort to check on us.”

Emotional Mike Phillips dedicated their win to Leo Susalta who has been like family to the young athlete and the team. Susalta, a guard at the team’s dormitory who became like family, passed recently, and Phillips believed that he was there with them throughout the game.

“If you’re listening to this, my friend, I love you. I hope to see you soon, and I’ll take care of your family,” he said. Phillips also reminded people that tomorrow is not promised, so one must always look for something to be grateful for every day.

The De La Salle Green Archers will go up against the UP Fighting Maroons next on October 6, Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

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