How SGA convinced Mikey Williams to come out of hibernation

CHICAGO – Strong Group Athletics just did what TNT couldn’t in 622 days.

Bring Mikey Williams out of hibernation and return him to a happy place where he can resume his professional basketball career.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t that hard to do. The SGA top brass pierced the soul of the two-time Finals MVP by listening to what he had to say. Straight talk was the bridge that connected them to a common ground.

“It all worked out when I spoke directly to Mikey. He’s always been the quiet guy who keeps to himself and doesn’t talk to the media. He’s often misunderstood, but he’s just a good guy who missed being out here and represent the Philippines,” said SGA coach Charles Tiu.

In other words, Tiu and SGA team leader Jacob Lao unlocked the password to Mikey’s heart using only friendly persuasion and old-fashioned persistence.

Of course, billionaire team owner Frank Lao’s deep pockets helped, but whatever astronomical amount changed hands is worth every dollar.

DECORATIONS.

Despite only playing in the PBA for less than three years, the Fil-Am from LA has amassed 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 game. in 22 games, the 33-year-old Tropang Giga led to the Governors’ Cup title in April 2023. Soon after, he left for the United States and was never seen again as his contract was renegotiated. failed.

PHOTO: SGA

In November of the same year, TNT sent the 6-foot-2, 190-pound shooting star a contract termination letter, actually adding more acceleration to an already combustible relationship.

Although both parties are no longer contractually bound together, TNT retained Mikey’s signing rights because Tropang Giga had an offer on the table when they parted ways. That’s the hook the league has against player empowerment.

Since Mikey no longer has a direct contract with the phone giant, SGA, a non-PBA team, did not need permission to sign him for the Dubai foray. And because the annual Desert Classic is not a Fiba-sanctioned event, Williams’ jersey change did not require SBP approval.

READY TO ROLL.

“He was OK. We didn’t do too much, but he was willing to work,” coach Charles said of Mikey’s first practice. “In terms of fitness, he is also good, he has trained hard in the USA.”

Ready to cook, is Mikey also ready to return to his old stomping grounds?

TNT has all the cards. And it can go two ways.

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With their disgruntled warrior now in their backyard, the Tropang Giga can arrange a face-to-face meeting and push to bring back the loving feeling. They can also just hold his rights at bay and ask for unrealistic trade demands.

There is too much boiling in this pot – anger, rejection, anger and mistrust – preventing a desirable ending.

For now, however, the thought of seeing Mikey back on the field where he belongs is uplifting. It is a huge triumph for himself, SGA and the Pinoy hoop fans.

As only you can, dazzle us Mikey and win that Dubai trophy for the flag,

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