Mike Phillips reinforces Maroon 4 in San Juan

With Phillips on board, he will reunite with former UAAP rivals from the University of the Philippines—Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Reyland Torres, and Terrence Fortea. Joining the Knights is also former Far Eastern University forward Patrick Sleat.

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

Last season, San Juan was eliminated in the North Division semifinals by Pangasinan, prompting a team rebuild.

In the preseason tournament, the Knights went 7-1 in the group stages, defeated Caloocan in the playoffs, but fell to eventual champion Abra in the semifinals.

Now, with Phillips anchoring the paint, the Knights add a UAAP Season 88 Finals MVP and multiple-time Elite Team member to their roster.

This move also allows Phillips to stay close to home as he vies for a spot with Gilas Pilipinas Men in the upcoming windows of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the Asian Games.

The MPBL continues to showcase a wave of rising stars fresh out of the UAAP.

Caloocan boasts Kean Baclaan, Dom Escobar, and Kymani Ladi, Pasay fields the National University quartet of Steve Nash Enriquez, Jolo Manansala, Mark Parks, and Gelo Santiago, Quezon features Ced Manzano, John Abate, and Cholo Anonuevo, while Zamboanga highlights Janjan Felicilda and Josh Lazaro.