MIKEY WILLIAMS is committed to representing the Philippines at the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship, where he will play for Strong Group Athletics. However, what happens after this brief stint?
After being out for more than a year owing to contract issues with his PBA team TNT Tropang GIGA, Williams has returned to the country and reconnected with his former Mighty Sports head coach Charles Tiu.
The Strong Group Athletics (SGA) committed spitfire guard is motivated and eager to face the challenges that lay ahead in order to contend for a chance at redemption later this month in Dubai.
“It just feels good to be back. Back playing, back in motion, back doing what I love to do,” said Williams during SGA’s media day on Sunday at the Gatorade Hoops Center. “I take pride in this game that I love.”
Stayed Ready
Williams had a successful career with TNT, winning two PBA titles and was named Finals MVP in both campaigns. However, due to a failed agreement on his contract renewal, the 6-foot-2 guard returned to the United States.
The Filipino-American guard sat out the majority of Season 48, although he added that he did not abandon the sport in general and made an effort to stay in shape despite not playing professionally for a year.
“In the States, I’ve been playing in games, I played in the Drew League a little bit. During the summer, that’s the only place where everyone plays. All the pros are gonna be there, so there was a great level of basketball,” he explained.
Aside from staying in shape, Williams revealed that he has never cut ties with his fellow Tropang GIGA teammates. Making sure that when he returns, nothing is lost between him and the team.
“I’ve been talking to a few of my teammates every once in a while when I was in the States. I was watching each and every game to stay in tune ‘cause I thought I’d be back sooner than expected, but it didn’t work out that way,” he added.
Almost an SGA Stint
Williams was unable to play for Tiu during the Strong Group’s 2024 campaign in Dubai due to the said contract dispute between him and TNT management. For him, it wasn’t the right time to play for another team.
“I wanted to be here, but there was a sensitive issue with TNT. For me to come out here, it would’ve created conflict,” he clarified. “I have two championships with him, the Jones Cup and the Dubai tournament.”
“So this is my third stint, and we kinda have that understanding with each other — we know what it takes to win,” Williams went on to say of his connection with Tiu.
Nonetheless, no matter how much attention is paid to Williams’ time with the Frank Lao-owned team, basketball fans can’t help but wonder when or if he’ll be able to play again in the PBA.
Return to TNT?
Despite the controversies surrounding his return to the country and whether he’ll play for TNT after his stay with Strong Group, the former PBA All-Star is still unsure where tomorrow will take him.
“Only time will tell. I know I have to get with TNT, and see where things go from there. I’ve been focused on this Dubai tournament and have been practicing here, so that’s the only thing on my mind right now. What comes after? We’ll see,” he said.
Williams declined to comment on whether he has already received an offer from a PBA franchise. For him, he understands where he wants to take his playing career and would prefer to let things unfold naturally first.
