Strong Group Persuades Mikey Williams to Return to Basketball

CHICAGO, Illinois – Strong Group Athletics (SGA) has achieved what TNT Tropang Giga could not in nearly two years: convincing two-time PBA Finals MVP Mikey Williams to return to professional basketball. The breakthrough came through direct communication and persistence, according to SGA coach Charles Tiu.

“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,” Tiu said. The 33-year-old Fil-Am guard, who left the Philippines after contract negotiations with TNT failed in 2023, is set to play for SGA in the upcoming Dubai tournament.

Williams, who averaged 18.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 22 games during his last PBA season, led TNT to the Governors' Cup title in April 2023. However, his relationship with the team soured after contract disputes, culminating in a termination letter from TNT in November 2023. Despite the separation, TNT retains Williams’ signing rights, complicating his potential return to the PBA.

For now, Williams’ focus is on the Dubai tournament, a non-FIBA-sanctioned event that allows him to play without requiring clearance from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). “He was okay. We didn’t do too much, but he was willing to work,” Tiu said of Williams’ first practice with SGA. “Conditioning-wise, he’s good, too; he’s been training hard in the US.”

Williams’ return to the court marks a significant moment for Filipino basketball fans, who have eagerly awaited his comeback. Whether this leads to a reconciliation with TNT or a new chapter in his career remains to be seen.