No Mikey Williams for Strong Group in Dubai tilt
FILEFormer –TNT guard Mikey Williams. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Philippine side Strong Group coach Charles Tiu has put an end to the possibility of Mikey Williams joining the squad for the Dubai International Basketball Tournament.
While Tiu admitted that there were talks between his camp and Williams’ side, the coach said that the latter joining the team wouldn’t come to fruition.
“I don’t think Mikey will be part anymore, unfortunately. I think he still has some talks [to do] with TNT. We’ve been waiting for his answer and he said he’s still trying to get some clearance,” said Tiu on Wednesday.
“We thought that it’s best to play it safe and make sure he doesn’t get into any trouble. after all, his PBA career’s more important so we both decided to move on.”
In November, TNT announced that it had Williams a notice to terminate his contract with the club after his Finals MVP run in last year’s PBA Governors’ Cup.
While the non-inclusion of Williams may seem like a blow for Strong Group, Tiu and his star-studded staff that includes Brian Goorjian and Topex Robinson still have a young core of guards in their roster.
Coach Charles Tiu’s thoughts on his Strong Group squad. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/0TsCWQNhDu
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) January 10, 2024
Still, it would’ve been nice to have the streaky shooter in the pool, according to Tiu.
“It’s a shame because he’s actually one of the first guys we reached out to. He was my number one choice to be the point guard of this team but it is what it is. We’ll find ways to win without him but he would’ve been a great addition.”
Fortunately for the Philippine side, it will still have young guards in the rotation like Francis Escandor and JD Cagulangan.
But more importantly, Strong Group will have the services of both Dwight Howard and Andray Blatche, players whom Tiu considers to be “big pluses” for the team.
“They’re really good. they’re the two loudest guys on the court. We always talk about communicating. Dwight’s so great and vocal, same with Dray. Dray, right now, is somebody who has a veteran leader role. He’s matured so much and he’s guiding and helping the other guys.”
“They’re a big plus to our team. It’s a big weight off our shoulders when I talked to Dwight when we signed him. A lot of people are saying he’ll give you so many problems but he hasn’t given us any problems, he’s been very supportive of what we’re doing.”
