Mikey Williams is back in the Philippines as he joins the Strong Group Athletics' star-studded roster for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.
Two-time PBA Finals MVP Mikey Williams is set to bring his sharpshooting and playmaking prowess to Strong Group Athletics as they prepare for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship, scheduled from January 24 to February 2, 2025.
The 33-year-old combo guard, originally from Los Angeles, California, arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday to join the team.
This move marks a reunion with Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu, with whom Williams previously achieved success while playing for Mighty Sports. Together, they secured championships at the 2019 William Jones Cup and the 2020 Dubai Basketball Championship.
“I’m excited to be working with him again,” said Tiu. “I was quite close to him before. We won two championships together, and hopefully, we can win another one.”
Williams last suited up for the TNT Tropang Giga back in the PBA Season 47 Governors' Cup, where the team bagged the championship against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in six games.
The 6-foot-2 guard then earned his second Finals MVP honors after averaging 22 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
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However, issues followed the superstar guard as the Tropang Giga decided to terminate Williams' contract in 2023 after missing games and failing to show up. While he hasn't played in the league since that Game 6 win, TNT still holds his rights in the PBA.
[ALSO READ: Will Mikey Williams ever make PBA return? TNT lays down path, admits obstacle]
Now back in the Philippines, Williams adds depth to an already formidable roster that boasts homegrown talents such as Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, Jason Brickman, NCAA MVP Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, Justine Sanchez, and naturalized Filipinos Ange Kouame and Andray Blatche.
Complementing the local stars is former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, as well as Malachi Richardson and Terry Larrier, both of whom bring international experience and scoring capabilities.
Strong Group Athletics enters the tournament with redemption in mind, aiming to improve on last year’s performance when they fell short against Al-Riyadi in the Finals.