FOR a guy who just travelled halfway across the world and straight to practice, Mikey Williams looked good as he quickly joined Strong Group Athletics in their preparation for the Dubai International Basketball Championship.
SGA coach Charles Tiu said he saw glimpses of the old Williams that Philippine basketball fans are used to in his first day in practice on Tuesday even with the jetlag of travelling from the United States to the Philippines.
“He looked okay considering it was his first day after a 14, 15-hour flight. He still joined us in practice,” said Tiu after his game with Converge where he serves as an assistant coach.
“He looked pretty good. His hands, his touch is still there."
READ: Mikey Williams back to play for SGA in Dubai Invitational
Tiu said Williams arrived Tuesday sometime around 5 to 6 a.m. before going to the SGA practice at the Gatorade Hoops Center at 10 a.m.
“Maybe he got to the hotel, hindi pa naka-check in, alis na agad to go to practice, so good for us,” said Tiu, who applauded Williams’ professionalism.
“I expected him to take it easy in practice. I tip my hat off. He was very professional today."
Tiu said Williams was supposed to arrive in the country last week.
“But he had a family emergency ata siya. He asked if he could come later. Sabi namin, wala namang problema. But I didn’t want him to miss too many practices because he already missed four, and our preparation time is short. But at least, he’s here now. So we are happy that he’s here."
Tiu is fully expecting the same Williams that enabled him to win a couple of awards during his stint with TNT which included two Finals MVP until his PBA career was cut short due to a dispute with the Tropang Giga.
The SGA coach also denied the notion that Williams isn’t fit as he has been working out in the United States even though he doesn’t have a ballclub.
“I definitely hope so. I mean that's why I got him. So I hope he’s still in that same level. I know he hasn't played or we haven’t seen him play, but he told me he’s working even harder there in the US than when he’s out kasi that’s all he’s doing," he said.
“But of course, the game shape, the timing, medyo iba siguro 'yun. Sana, makuha nya agad 'yun. Anyway, he is a vet. Hindi na siya bata."
Tiu reiterated that, personally, he wants Williams to play for Converge, but also recognizes that TNT still has his signing rights despite his falling out with the team.
“I think that’s out of our control. I’d love to have him but still, as of now he’s with TNT so we’ll leave it there. Anyway, we just focus on who we have right now,” Tiu said.
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