CHICAGO - Strong Group Athletics just pulled off what TNT couldn't in the space of 622 days.
Coax Mikey Williams out of hibernation and bring him back to a happy place where he can resume his pro basketball career.
Surprisingly, it wasn't that hard to do. SGA's top brass pierced through the two-time Finals MVP's soul by listening to what he had to say. Straight talk was the bridge that connected them to a common ground.
READ Will Mikey Williams soon make the jump from SGA to Converge?
"It all worked out when I spoke directly to Mikey. He's always been the quiet type who keeps to himself and does not talk to the media. Often, he's misunderstood, but he's just a good guy who missed being out here and repping the Philippines," SGA coach Charles Tiu said.
In other words, Tiu and SGA team manager Jacob Lao, unlocked the password to Mikey's heart using only friendly persuasion and old-fashioned perseverance.
Of course, the deep pockets of billionaire team owner Frank Lao helped, but whatever astronomical amount of money changed hands is worth every dollar.
DECORATED.
Despite having only played in the PBA for less than three years, the Fil-Am from LA has collected enough hardware to fill a super-sized trophy room.
Rookie of the Year. All-Star. Mythical Team. Two championships.
Averaging 18.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per in 22 games, the 33-year old led the Tropang Giga to the Governors' Cup title in April 2023. Shortly thereafter he left for the States and was never seen again when his contract renegotiation talks failed.
In November of the same year, TNT sent the 6-foot-2, 190-pound shooting star a contract termination letter, effectively pouring more accelerant to an already combustible relationship.
Although both parties are no longer bound together contractually, TNT kept Mikey's signing rights because the Tropang Giga had an offer on the table when they separated. It's the hook the league has against player empowerment.
Since Mikey no longer has a live contract with the telephone giant, SGA, a non-PBA team, didn't need permission to sign him for the Dubai incursion. And because the annual desert classic is not a Fiba-sanctioned event, Williams' jersey swap didn't require an SBP clearance.
READY TO ROLL.
"He was okay. We didn't do too much but he was willing to work," coach Charles said of Mikey's first practice. "Conditioning-wise, he's good, too, he's been training hard in the US."
Ready to cook, is Mikey also ready to return to his old stomping grounds?
TNT holds all the cards. And it can go two ways.
With their disgruntled warrior now in their backyard, the Tropang Giga can arrange a face-to-face meeting and push to bring back that lovin' feeling. They can also just hold his rights out of spite and ask for unrealistic trade demands.
There's too much boiling in this pot - anger, rejection, resentment and mistrust - that hinders a desirable ending.
For now, though, the mere thought of seeing Mikey back on the court where he belongs is exhilarating. It's a huge triumph for himself, SGA, and the Pinoy hoop fans.
Like only you can, dazzle us, Mikey, and win that Dubai trophy for the flag,
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