MIKEY Williams has started practicing with Converge in preparation for his PBA comeback in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Williams began work with the FiberXers after attending their team building in Laguna a couple of days ago as he prepares for his first game after nearly three years.
Videos of Williams working out at Converge’s practice facility – the Gatorade Hoops Dome – is on his Instagram account.
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Converge team governor Archen Cayabyab told SPIN.ph that Williams is in high spirits, determined to show his best foot forward in his return to the league.
“Very highly motivated siya,” said Cayabyab, who added Williams arrived in Manila on Monday. “Talagang naka-focus ang bata. Ang unang nga niyang hinanapan, gym. Gym kaagad."
“He is totally fit. Talagang babawi siya ngayong this coming conference,” he continued.
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Cayabyab, however, said Williams still needs time in order to be in game shape and work on his chemistry with his teammates ahead of the opening game of the conference, which incidentally has Converge on the slate against Macau Black Bears.
Williams hasn’t played competitively since the April 21, 2023 when TNT defeated Barangay Ginebra, 97-93, in the finals with him capturing his second Finals MVP.
“Kailangan pa natin chemistry sa mga ka-teammates niya, mga kasama niya. Pero okay naman nakita ko, nag-observe naman ako last night. Talagang kasama niya ang buong team, nag-enjoy siya. At home siya, sa totoo lang,” Cayabyab observed.
When it comes to contributing to Converge’s title bid, Cayabyab said Williams is all in.
“Sinabi niya kumbaga hindi siya pumunta sa team para makasira sa team. Pero nandito siya para makatulong sa goal ng team na gusto makarating sa semis muna hanggang sa makarating ng championship," he said.
“Sana siya ang missing piece na hinahanap talaga namin.'
Cayabyab admitted that the short time table from his comeback to their opening game is a concern, but was quick to note that Williams is a high IQ player who can certainly get acclimated quickly.
“Almost three years, ang inaalala ko ang timing niya. Baka manibago pa siya kasi next week na, may laro na kami. So hindi pa siya masyadong familiar sa system pero very high IQ naman si Mikey. Madali niya makukuha ‘yan,” said the amiable Cayabyab, a former player from National University.
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