Fil-American cager Mike Phillips turned his grief into inspiration, playing his heart out as the La Salle Green Archers clinched the Season 88 crown of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday night.
The 23-year-old Phillips was still mourning the loss of Doleo Susalta, a respected dorm security guard who passed away from a brain aneurysm three months ago.
“Shoutout to him. As you can see, he was one of my closest friends at the dorm, and I dedicate this to him,” said Phillips, who looked up to the 52-year-old Susalta as a father figure.
With Susalta in his heart and mind, Phillips delivered one of his finest performances as the Green Archers defeated the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 80-72, in a winner-take-all Game 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 6’8” forward was eventually named Finals MVP after recording 25 points and 18 rebounds in his final game.
“That’s because he was a big part of my life. Whenever I couldn’t sleep, I would go to him, and we’d just talk,” said the Florida-born Phillips, who treated Susalta like an elder member of his family.
Phillips’ parents are usually abroad, and Susalta—who passed away just before his 52nd birthday—was always there to lend a listening ear.
In his final game before graduating in the coming months, Phillips, known for his prayerful nature, said his performance was also dedicated to Susalta’s family.
“So, I’m sure he’s smiling from heaven. I played for his family, too. He was the light of my life,” said a teary-eyed Phillips, who always said a prayer or two for Susalta before games.
When he first arrived in the Philippines with his brother Ben to play for La Salle, Susalta even helped them learn local dialects through Ilonggo and Filipino songs.
Having concluded his five-year collegiate career, Phillips will return to the United States to reunite with his family. He said he will consider his next steps, whether to join the Philippine Basketball Association rookie draft or play in leagues in Japan or Korea.
Also completing their eligibility this season is foreign student-athlete Bright Nwankwo.
The core of the championship team is expected to return, including key players Jacob Cortez, Kean Baclaan, Mason Amos, and Luis Pablo, who are likely to assume leadership roles next season.
Former La Salle Green Hills standout Seven Gagate, who returned from UP, will also be eligible to play in Season 89 after serving his residency period, along with another foreign player, Henry Agunanne, who was sidelined by injury in Season 88.
The title marks the Green Archers’ 11th UAAP men’s basketball championship, and their second in the last three years—both against the Fighting Maroons.
Coach Topex Robinson described the victory as “the hardest to win,” citing a season plagued by injuries to key players like Kean Baclaan and Mason Amos.
