MIKEY Williams and Robert Bolick going up against each other in the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup semifinals is most definitely set to be an explosive duel.
But for Converge's Fil-Am guard, the best-of-five series isn't all about he and Bolick going mano-a-mano on the court.
While Williams, who turned 35 just last month, acknowledged Bolick is the heart and soul of top-seeded NLEX, he’s also aware keeping other Road Warriors from getting going could factor in how the series will be decided.
“We know we have to lock in, and definitely the key is on some players that really keep them going,” he said in a reply to a SPIN.ph question about a potential Williams-Bolick shootout in the Final Four.
“So if we can neutralize some of those people, we put ourselves in a good position.”
NLEX depth
While Bolick, indeed, is the face of NLEX, he also enjoys ample support, which has been key to the franchise's first semis appearance in four seasons.
There are Fil-Am guard Schonny Winston, who averaged 18.07 points and impact rookie L-Jay Gonzales (12.13 ppg), as well as Kevin Alas (9.1ppg), Anthony Semerad (8.3ppg), JB Bahio (7.4ppg), Rob Herndon (7.1ppg), and vastly-improved Enoch Valdez (5.2ppg).
And that’s not to mention do-it-all import Deonte Burton, norming 26.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists and proving to be a perfect replacement for injured Dequan Jones.
Of course, on top of it all, is the 31-year-old Bolick, who leads all Road Warriors locals with per game counts of 18.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.2 assists.
“We know that’s their (Road Warriors) gunner,” said Williams of Bolick, the top contender for the Best Player of the Conference award and about to play in his first semis at full-strength.
READ: Bolick eyes team, individual glory after sending NLEX to semis
“It’s going to be a fun series,” added the FiberXers veteran.
The good news for Converge is Williams' confidence is as high as it can be, especially after helping the franchise reach the Final Four for the very first time.
His back-to-back clutch three-pointers in Game 4 of the quarterfinals against Rain or Shine clinched for the FiberXers the coveted semis spot.
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