Strong Group Athletics seemingly had no trouble with negotiations to bring in Fil-Am combo guard Mikey Williams for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.
Strong Group Athletics head coach Charles Tiu shared his insights on the negotiations with two-time PBA Finals MVP Mikey Williams as the talented scorer makes his Philippine comeback ahead of the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.
Williams’ return to the Philippines came as a welcomed surprise to many, especially after his fallout with the TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA.
Speaking to One Sports, Tiu revealed that the discussions with Williams to bring him on board went smoothly.
“Negotiations were okay. I handled it with him and we have a good relationship so it worked out,” said Tiu.
Williams, who had been absent from the Philippine basketball scene for nearly two years, rejoined Strong Group for this international campaign, a decision that reunites him with Tiu—a coach he previously found success under with Mighty Sports.
After almost two years of absence, the 6-foot-2 guard flew in on Tuesday and immediately joined his new team for practice despite a long journey.
Tiu appreciated Williams' commitment to join the team right away.
“He just arrived today and went straight to join us for practice from his flight so I appreciate him for that. He had some family matters to settle that’s why he joined us late,” the College of Saint Benilde coach explained.
This move marks the latest chapter in Williams' basketball journey after a period of uncertainty following his departure from the Tropang Giga.
His final season with the team ended on a high note, with TNT clinching the PBA Governors' Cup championship in 2023, where Williams earned his second Finals MVP award.
He averaged 22 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in the series, proving instrumental in the Tropang Giga's six-game triumph over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Despite the success, his tenure with TNT was marred by controversy, as the team opted to terminate his contract in 2023 due to missed games and failure to attend scheduled practices.
This decision left Williams without a PBA team, though TNT still retains his playing rights.
[ALSO READ: Will Mikey Williams ever make PBA return? TNT lays down path, admits obstacle]
As the Dubai tilt approaches, Williams is raring to prove his worth once again in a star-studded SGA team.
Williams will be alongside former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, Malachi Richardson, Terry Larrier, Andray Blatche, Ange Kouame, Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, and Jason Brickman.