Mike Phillips is joining Kyoto Hannaryz in the Japan B.League on a two-year deal starting with the 2026-27 season, marking another step in his international basketball career after leaving the San Juan Knights in the MPBL. The signing was announced amid fan speculation about his destination, and it will keep the 24-year-old Filipino-American in Japan while he remains available for Gilas Pilipinas in international play. Phillips’ move comes after FIBA designated him a local rather than a naturalized player for Asian competition, which makes him eligible as an Asian import in Japan. He built a strong collegiate résumé at De La Salle, helping the Green Archers win UAAP titles and earning Finals MVP honors, and he has also collected multiple PBA D-League championships. In addition to his on-court talents, Phillips has represented the Philippines in international play and has a track record of contributing as a versatile forward-center. The move keeps him as one of Kyoto’s three Asian Quota players, with expectations that he will bring experience from college, national team duty, and prior overseas stints to the Hannaryz.