Mike Phillips now officially with Japan B.League’s Kyoto Hannaryz

Mike Phillips last saw action for the San Juan Knights in the MPBL.

MPBL

MANILA, Philippines — Mike Phillips is officially headed to the Japan B. League, signing a two-year deal with the Kyoto Hannaryz starting in the 2026-2027 season this September.

Kyoto announced the signing Tuesday after Filipino fans played a guessing game about which team he’s going to in the aftermath of his abrupt departure from the San Juan Knights in the MPBL.

It’s official, La Salle, Gilas Pilipinas and San Juan Knights big man Mike Phillips has signed with the Kyoto Hannaryz in the Japan B. League.

Kyoto announced the acquisition today in time for the 2026-2027 Season. @PhilippineStar @StarSportsHub @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/HbouJd5AVy

— John Bryan Ulanday (@bryanulanday) July 21, 2026

The deal is for two years, keeping the 24-year-old Phillips in Japan with the PBA now on the sidelines of his availability while committing to continue suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in international competitions.

“I’m truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the Kyoto Hannaryz organization and the B. League. I’m excited to return and experience the passion of basketball in Japan once again,” said Phillips, who had stints in Japan university leagues with La Salle, in the team announcement yesterday.

“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.”

Phillips became eligible to be an Asian import in Japan after his stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Oceania against Australia and New Zealand.

That was made possible after FIBA classified the Filipino-American ace as a local player instead of a naturalized one in all FIBA-sanctioned tournaments earlier this year.

Before Gilas though, the 6-foot-8 Phillips stamped his class in the UAAP by helping the Green Archers win two UAAP championships, including the Season 88 where he was named the Finals MVP after hauling 12.58 points, 14.58 rebounds, 2.68 assists and 1.32 steals per game.

In his short-lived MPBL campaign, Phillips normed 8.4 points and 10.7 rebounds in 10 games for San Juan. Both camps figured in a contract dispute amid Phillips’ rumored Japan transfer.

Hopes are high for Phillips to help the Hannaryz after a dismal 20th-place finish last season with a 20-40 slate.

He’s the third Filipino to serve as Kyoto import after Matthew Wright and Jamie Malonzo, who also both donned national colors.