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Chot Reyes on Mikey Williams return: ‘I’m not counting on it’


ANTIPOLO – Don’t expect Mikey Williams to return soon.

While he and TNT are on speaking terms anew, the club is hardly optimistic that the star guard is coming over for the ongoing Philippine Cup — at least.

“Let’s put it this way: I’m not counting on it,” said no less than head coach Chot Reyes Sunday night. “This conference, I don’t think it’s going to happen.”

The straightforward mentor said as much in light of reports that both camps are again in talks for a possible reunion after a couple of years.

It came out days after the Tropang 5G fell to their third loss in as many games in the conference following a 95-81 blowout at the hands of Phoenix last Friday.

That losing skid is no more, though, after they edged San Miguel, 89-84, at the Ynares Center here, paving the way for Reyes to be asked about the matter.

Fans and pundits, especially of the flagship MVP franchise, have long been looking for the conclusion of what’s been a protracted contract impasse.

Williams last played in Game 6 of the 2023 Governors’ Cup in which he led the team to the crown past Ginebra, eventually getting Finals MVP honors.

He’s never rejoined the team since then as the fourth overall pick of the 2021 Draft and TNT could not find a middle ground for a new deal.

But contrary to popular belief, the communication is still there, Reyes bared.

“We’ve always been talking naman eh. There were times na matagal kaming hindi nagkakausap, a few months. Pero we’re talking,” he said.

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Williams, though, did show up last January 17 and watched his team beat the Kings by way of a 91-86 decision in a Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup tiff.

He was in town for an overseas stint with Strong Group Athletics and his appearance courtside, of course, sparked speculations of his return.

Still, Reyes reiterated that the 33-year-old coming back remains unlikely.

“We never stopped naman eh. Is that a good step? I think so. At least the communication lines are open. But like I said, we’re not banking on it,” he said.

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.




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