Strong Group Athletics formally dropped its plan of including Filipino-American hotshot Mikey Williams in the team that will see action in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship.

No less than Strong Group team manager Jacob Lao came up with a statement, saying that they will be moving on without Williams, who was a no-show in their first few practice sessions for the prestigious international event set from 19 to 26 January.

Williams, who is also at loggerheads with his Philippine Basketball Association club, TNT Tropang Giga, reportedly initially agreed to play for Strong Group.

But after a month of discussion, the 32-year-old playmaker reneged on his promise and stayed in Los Angeles.

"We really don't know what happened (why he suddenly backed out). Everything was in place, and we agreed to almost everything he wanted," Lao said.

"At first, he agreed to the price. Then, he asked for a specific timeframe for his arrival."

"However, he just didn't show up at our practice when everybody was expecting him, including former NBA (National Basketball Association) stars and starters."

In a previous report by Daily Tribune, Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu admitted that Williams is "my top choice" in assembling a powerhouse squad that aims to bounce back from their quarterfinal setback last year.

With Williams out, Tiu reached an agreement with Jordan Heading, who is expected to provide the scoring punches in the team that will be beefed up by former NBA champion Dwight Howard, Andre Roberson, Andray Blatche and McKenzie Moore.

"It's a shame because he's actually one of the first guys I reached out to. He's my top choice to be the point guard of this team," said Tiu, who spearheaded the negotiation with Williams.

"Now, he's not even answering our calls. We have no choice but to look for other options."

Aside from Heading, also helping in the scoring SGA department are JD Cagulangan, Kevin Quiambao, Francis Escandor, Justine Sanchez, Allen Liwag, Justine Baltazar and Tony Ynot.