By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Not again, Mikey Williams.
After initially agreeing to play for the Strong Group Philippines in the upcoming Dubai International Basketball Tournament, the controversial hoops star once again received backlash when he didn’t show up in the training camp that kicked off several days ago.
According to Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu last January 10, 2024, the PHL-based sports organization will no longer include Williams in the official roster when they fly to Dubai.
Tiu confirmed that Williams will still have to settle some unfinished business with his PBA mother franchise TNT Tropang Giga.
After failing to agree to the terms and conditions of the deal, TNT announced last November 2023 that they already terminated Williams’ active contract in the PBA.
Multiple sources bared that Williams wanted a salary increase once he returns to the Tropang Giga but the TNT management went firm with their offer.
Several days ago, a report broke out that Williams is again open to negotiating with TNT for the next PBA conference.
“We’ve been waiting for his answer. He said he’s still trying to get some clearance, so I think it’s best that we decide to play it safe to make sure he doesn’t get into any trouble,” said Tiu.
Strong Group team manager Jacob Lao then expressed his frustration towards Williams and added that everything was already in place for him to play in Dubai.
Lao also revealed that Williams and Strong Group already agreed regarding his talent fee and already asked what day he have to arrive in the country for the practice.
“Now he is not even answering our calls. We have no choice but to look for other options. This is the first time that we have had a player who doesn’t honor his word,” said Lao.
With the absence of Williams, Strong Group will have to rely on their remaining guards JD Cagulangan of the UP Fighting Maroons and Tony Ynot from the College of Saint Benilde.
