Michael Phillips signs with Kyoto Hannaryz in Japan B.LEAGUE

Michael Phillips is officially headed to Japan after signing a two-year contract with the Kyoto Hannaryz, the club announced on Tuesday.

The Filipino-American big man will join Kyoto through the B.LEAGUE’s Asian special player slot beginning in the 2026-27 season, with his contract running through 2027-28. Phillips, officially listed by the team at 203 centimeters and 100 kilograms, will wear No. 20 and play both center and power forward.

“I’m truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the Kyoto Hannaryz organization,” Phillips said in the team’s announcement.

The 24-year-old added that the tournaments he played in Japan during his college career left a strong impression on him. He promised to give his best alongside his new teammates and compete for Kyoto’s supporters and surrounding community.

Kyoto general manager Sunao Murakami believes Phillips’ relentless playing style will translate well to the B.LEAGUE.

“His greatest appeal is his overwhelming mobility and dedication,” Murakami said in a statement translated from Japanese.

Murakami pointed to Phillips’ willingness to sprint the floor, dive for loose balls, fight for rebounds, and support his teammates defensively as the qualities that earned him the “Motor Mike” nickname. Kyoto expects his presence to raise the team’s speed, intensity, and energy while positively influencing the culture being built inside the organization.

Phillips did not lack alternatives before choosing Kyoto. His brother, Ben Phillips, confirmed to ALL-STAR that Mike also received offers from other B.LEAGUE clubs and teams connected to the EuroLeague and Australia’s National Basketball League. The identities of the other teams and the terms they presented could not be disclosed.

“The organization, people, city, and opportunity to contribute to turning Kyoto around stood out,” Ben told ALL-STAR when asked why Mike selected the Hannaryz.

That turnaround represents one of the biggest challenges awaiting Phillips. Established in 2009, the Hannaryz are based in Kyoto and will compete in the Western Conference of B.PREMIER, the B.LEAGUE’s revamped top division, during the coming season.

The club finished the 2025-26 B1 campaign with a 20-40 record, placing 11th among 12 teams in the Western Conference.

Phillips’ own relationship with Japan began during his five-year career with the De La Salle Green Archers. Trips to tournaments in Tokyo and Nagoya allowed him to experience the country’s basketball environment and strengthened his interest in eventually playing there professionally.

Ben said the Phillips brothers have long shared an appreciation for anime, Japanese food, and the country’s people. Isaiah Phillips, one of Mike’s two brothers who also played for La Salle, received formal Japanese-language training.

“It definitely was something Mike had dreamed about, and we’re blessed that the opportunity was able to come,” Ben said.

Phillips leaves the Philippine collegiate ranks as one of the most decorated players of his generation. He helped La Salle capture the UAAP Season 86 and Season 88 men’s basketball championships, completing his college career with 25 points and 18 rebounds in the Green Archers’ title-clinching Game 3 victory over the UP Fighting Maroons.

That performance secured the Season 88 Finals MVP award for Phillips, who averaged 13.3 points and 13.7 rebounds across the championship series. He was subsequently recognized as the 2026 Collegiate Press Corps Men’s Basketball Player of the Year.

Following the conclusion of his UAAP career, Phillips began his professional journey with the San Juan Knights. He averaged 8.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks across 10 MPBL appearances before exercising an opt-out clause as opportunities from overseas materialized.

His performances for Gilas Pilipinas also played an important role in strengthening international interest. Phillips made his FIBA-sanctioned national-team debut during the July window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, highlighted by six points and a game-high 14 rebounds against Australia.

“The Gilas performance turned heads not just with Kyoto, but with teams in leagues globally,” Ben said. “He’s thankful for the opportunity he had to show himself, but as always, Mike just wants to help Gilas win, and that is his focus when he’s in the uniform.”

Phillips previously helped the Philippines reclaim the men’s basketball gold medal at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games. FIBA officially classified him as a local player in February 2026, making him eligible to represent Gilas in international competitions without occupying the country’s naturalized-player slot.

Now, Phillips will attempt to carry the same energy that made him a La Salle fan favorite and emerging Gilas piece into the first overseas chapter of his professional career.