La Salle parades Philips brothers
Michael and Benjamin, I am sure that they can bring a lot to the table for us with their height and exceptional talents
After bombing out in the finals last season, De La Salle University waged a recruiting coup as it tapped a pair of Filipino-American stars when the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) unfurls Season 83 of its men’s basketball tournament.
Green Archers’ head coach Derrick Pumaren said brothers Benjamin and Michael Philips, who both stand at 6-foot-8 will definitely boost them as they search for the crown that has been eluding them for the past three years.
The resume of the Philips brothers is simply impressive.
The 18-year-old Michael saw action for Creekside High School in Florida where he posted averages of 12.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks in 19 games.
He will be available to play five years of varsity eligibility for the Green Archers, who last won the title with Cameroonian superstar Ben Mbala in 2016.
Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Benjamin had already played two collegiate years at the University of Miami, where he pursued a business degree.
He enrolled in La Salle last year to serve his residency, giving three years to power the Green Archers.
Pumaren, who will be making a return to La Salle after a long absence, said they are leaving no stone unturned in assembling a winning squad.
“We are very serious on getting back on track next season and this is our way of giving back to La Salle,” said Pumaren, whose younger brother, Franz, emerged as one of the most celebrated coaches in La Salle history.
“Michael and Benjamin, I am sure that they can bring a lot to the table for us with their height and exceptional talents.”