Mikey ready to do it all

MANILA, Philippines — TNT rookie Mikey Williams said yesterday he won’t shy away from anything coach Chot Reyes wants him to do on the court and can’t wait to play in the PBA. He wasn’t in town when TNT picked him on the first round in the draft last March but stayed in touch with Reyes until finally arriving here last Tuesday morning from Los Angeles.

“I spoke with coach Chot right after the draft and about a month ago,” said Williams. “I couldn’t come earlier because there were lots of things that needed tending to in L. A. It’s about life in this pandemic. But I worked out, stayed sharp. Before I took the flight, I visited my mom at the cemetery, she’s played a pivotal role in my life.” Williams’ mother Angelica Baldo of Naga City passed away in 2016. He’s tight with his father Kurtiz, brother Boogie and sister Kaela. Boogie, 27, may come over to play in the MPBL.

Williams, 29, said Sen. Manny Pacquiao got him interested in the PBA. “I met Manny about eight years ago in L.A. during a morning run while he was preparing for a fight,” he said. “I played basketball with him and he wanted me to join Kia when he was with the team. I couldn’t get my paperwork done in time though.  Now, it’s all good. My first overseas contract was in the ABL before I played in the NBA G-League. It was a good experience playing against tough teams and players. Then, I played in the MPBL, a good intro to Philippine basketball, but not quite like the PBA. I’m excited to play for TNT. I’ve played against Troy (Rosario) and (RR) Pogoy in a tuneup when I was with Mighty Sports. I’m excited to pick Jayson Castro’s brains, learn from him, he’s an icon and legend.”

Williams said he’ll bring his A-game to the table. “Growing up, I idolized guys like Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Baron Davis and Jason Kidd,” he said. “I try to pick up whatever I can from guys who have all the tools. I can play 1-2-3, whatever position the coach thinks I can contribute to the team winning, even 4-5. I’ll do what it takes to win.”

Williams said he expects this year’s rookies to make a splash. “They’re a great bunch,” he said. “I played against Joshua (Munzon) in the ABL and with Jaime (Malonzo) at Mighty. I think it’s going to be an interesting and very competitive season. I’m in hotel quarantine at the moment. I’m fully vaccinated. I’m taking it day by day and when I’m finally cleared to play, I’ll be ready.”