Ben Phillips' routine is not for the weak.
One of a kind in the UAAP, Ben Phillips is putting a lot of hours in the gym to play both basketball and volleyball in the collegiate league.
The La Salle Green Spiker and Green Archer is training for six straight hours daily. And that's outside his duties as a student in the university.
That's why Phillips' Green Spiker teammate Noel Kampton has nothing but praise and awe for the multi-sport athlete.
"Ben is a basketball player, 'di ba? So nagte-training siya sa amin 1-4 (pm), then 4-7 sa basketball. So iba 'yung dedication ni Ben," Kampton said.
"Sobrang talino ni Ben. Ang galing talaga ni Ben, wala akong masasabi."
Phillips debuted for the Green Spikers in their sweep of the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 25-21, 25-18, 25-20.
The 6-foot-8 Phillips finally got the call up as a substitute in the final set, and scored one point via an emphatic quick attack in the middle. That put them ahead, 21-17.
"Sobrang excited ako at sobrang nervous kasi hindi ko alam [papasok ako] sa court. Sabi nga ni coach, 'Hoy, pasok na.' [I asked], 'Totoo ba?'" Phillips said after the game.
"I was just really excited because I've been working really hard with the team and I'm really thankful."
Phillips believes that his time with the Green Spikers will translate to the hardwood in Season 86.
"Volleyball is really a good cross training sa basketball."
Not to put volleyball aside though, Phillips is hoping that more fans support the men's event.
"Sana may support sa lahat ng Filipinos to support men's volleyball kasi it's a really exciting sport."
Phillips also wishes that he won't be the last to compete as a multi-sport athlete.
"Hopefully, we'll see more dual sports athletes in the future."