Mike Phillips has been focusing on improving his jumper to enhance the DLSU Green Archers' offensive spacing and contribute more consistently to the team’s success in UAAP Season 87.
Mike Phillips delivered a stellar performance for the De La Salle Green Archers, recording a double-double with 13 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks in their close win against the FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday, September 25.
Usually known for athleticism and defensive prowess, Phillips showcased in their game versus FEU that he has been working on a critical aspect of his game to aid DLSU: his jumper.
The 6-foot-8 big man credited the improved jumper that he worked on during the offseason to La Salle’s strength and conditioning coach Gelo Vito.
"I want to give all the credit to Coach Gelo," Phillips told One Sports. "He's been working with us religiously, sneaking into the gym as early as 4 or 5 AM to train. He asked us what we wanted to improve, and for me, it’s been my shooting."
Coming into the league in Season 84, Phillips rarely took jumpers. More often than not, he would try to impose his way in the rim.
In Season 87, Phillips has been confidently taking mid-range shots and making most of them, looking to help La Salle’s spacing on offense.
But it’s not just the jumpers, the athletic forward has also been improving his free throws, which has been an issue for the Green Archers in the past.
“It just kinda came from a desire to really help my teammates with the spacing because if I'm able to just knock down even a 12, 15 [footer] or maybe even a three [pointer], it'll open up things for them and really help our offensive flow,” Phillips explained.
“You know how crucial it is for free throws, especially in La Salle. We've had a hard history with free throws and that's something that really the essence of all my shooting kind comes from,” he added.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: Topex Robinson says UE loss took pressure off La Salle, leading to rebound vs FEU]
More than his mechanics, La Salle’s coaching staff has also trusted Phillips to take more of those shots, giving him and his teammates the freedom to expand their game.
"When I first got back to practice, Coach Topex got mad at us for not shooting threes. I was used to focusing on rebounds and defense, but now he's encouraging us to take our shots,” said Phillips.
“He [coach Gelo] puts a lot of emphasis on the mental side of the game," he shared. "He always preaches confidence. Every time you look at him on the bench, he's telling you to keep your head up and keep going. That mental approach is key, especially when 90% of this game is mental."
As the Green Archers look forward to their upcoming match, Phillips’ developing jumper might be key to their hopes of winning back-to-back UAAP crowns in Season 87.