The Filipino-American bucket-getter averaged 18.4 points last season.
TNT Tropang Giga will encounter bucket-getting problems amid the absence of RR Pogoy and Mikey Williams.
In fact, it was already evident on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum during opening night of PBA Season 48. Losing to the Magnolia Hotshots, 110-102, TNT coach and team manager Jojo Lastimosa was honest enough to admit that his squad isn’t quite the same without the two prolific scorers and that everyone else needs to step up.
“That was really the primary problem sa amin ngayon, wala si Mikey and si Roger. Alam namin na we have to look for those points somewhere else,” Lastimosa said after the game.
While Coach Jolas liked what he saw from Tropang Giga import Quincy Miller and local Calvin Oftana, who finished with 37 and 28 points, respectively, the feisty tactician wants to see more from the rest of the guys, especially now that the renegotiation for Williams’ contract remains at a standstill.
According to Lastimosa, the two-time PBA Finals MVP has remained in an uncommunicative state.
“From Mikey, nothing. I’m going to tell you if there’s a response from him,” the TNT headmaster revealed.
From the Tropang Giga’s side of things, Lastimosa assured that they’re doing their part in reaching out to Williams.
“Sila Chot (Reyes) are dealing with the situation. Nagpalit muna kami ng role. I don’t want to be bothered with that anymore, I have too much on my plate. I’m still team manager, but I’m not complaining,” the legendary PBA cager said.
Lastimosa took over TNT’s coaching duties for Reyes when the latter was tasked to lead Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup. Despite winning the Governors’ Cup as a rookie PBA coach back in April, Lastimosa seems to be looking forward to Reyes’ return. Lastimosa isn't one to back down from a challenge, but having to deal with Williams may have something to do with it.
“I’ll just ride this out as long as I can. Hoping for Chot to come back refreshed,” Lastimosa claimed.
It is only game 1 of the season, and yet the drama at the TNT camp seems to be simmering already.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)
(MDB)