For the first time in two years, former TNT Tropang Giga scoring guard Mikey Williams is back in the Philippines as he joins Strong Group Athletics (SGA) for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.
The two-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) champion returned to the country Tuesday as he reunited with Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu for the prestigious club competition that will run from 24 January to 2 February.
Tiu and Williams formerly teamed up with Mighty Sport back in 2020 when they captured the Dubai crown.
“I’m excited to be working with him again. I was quite close to him before,” Tiu said.
“We won two championships together, and hopefully, we can win another one.”
Williams’ return to the Philippines earned mixed reactions from basketball fans.
The 33-year-old guard was instrumental in TNT’s 2021 Philippine Cup and 2023 Governors’ Cup title campaigns and was even hailed as the Finals Most Valuable Player twice.
Tiu just can’t wait to get things started with Williams.
“He arrived today went straight to practice. I spoke to him directly and we agreed to move past from last year and just focus on now.”
“I expect him to be a key player and to have his dominant form still,” he added.
In the 2023 Governors’ Cup finals, Williams averaged 22 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists as the Tropang Giga defeated Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in six games.
Williams was also hailed as the PBA Rookie of the Year, PBA scoring champion, and a member of the PBA Mythical Team in 2021 and was included in the PBA Second Mythical Team in 2023.
But after their Governors’ Cup triumph in 2023, Williams became radio silent as neither Tropang Giga head coach Chot Reyes nor team manager Jojo Lastimosa were able to contact him, leading to the termination of his three-year contract.
TNT still holds the rights to Williams despite not playing for the team for two years.
SGA attempted to sign Williams last year but ultimately moved on after not attending their first few practices for the Dubai tilt.
But everything is now water under the bridge as the 33-year-old guard is set to help SGA’s redemption tour.
Williams will be joining a crew led by Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman, Angelo Kouame, Andray Blatche, National Collegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot and Justine Sanchez.
Adding to the squad’s firepower are National Basketball Association (NBA) veterans Demarcus Cousins and Malachi Richardson along with NBA G League cager Terry Larrier.
SGA looks to avenge last year’s heartbreak after losing to Al Riyadi of Lebanon, 74-77, in the final.