TNT head coach Chot Reyes downplayed the exchange he had with Mikey Williams late in their win over Blackwater in PBA Governors’ Cup action, Friday.
“We had a player-coach argument which is a very normal part of our culture,” he wrote in a message to Tiebreaker Times moments after the 106-93 victory.
The two were seen arguing with 58.3 seconds left, while the Rookie-MVP frontrunner was on his way to the bench after being subbed out.
Unclear, though, what they discussed, although the substitution took place after Williams committed a turnover in the backcourt.
The Bossing’s trapping defense caught him, and he tried to pass to save the possession. But he ended up turning it over as the ball sailed outside.
Then came his eventual exit, along with that exchange with Reyes that did not go unnoticed by the broadcast panel.
Williams left with 23 points, six rebounds, and four steals in 33 minutes.
The champion mentor said that he would rather have a player who openly communicates, even if exchanges may get heated.
“I always encourage players to speak up and communicate,” he said.
“Sometimes, that communication can be heated. But I’d much rather have that than the player keeps his feelings to himself then manifests it in some other way.”
Reyes insisted that all remains well between him and Williams. He added that it’s nothing out of the ordinary since he’s had as much with his players in the past.
“No big deal sa amin ‘yon,” the 58-year-old bench tactician said. “Happens between me and Jayson [Castro], Kelly [Williams].
“Even with me and Jimmy [Alapag], JD [Jared Dillinger], Rudy Hatfield, Tee McClary, Kenny Redfield in the past – and we all won championships.”
After all, the Tropang Giga have won for the third straight time, further improving as well their quarterfinal chances.
Tiebreaker Times has also sought Williams for his side regarding the matter, but he has yet to respond as of this publishing.
With reports from Eros Villanueva
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