TNT head coach Chot Reyes admitted that the team didn’t have any idea as to how Mikey Williams would fare in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
Though he’s had vast experience compared to his fellow rooks with stints here and abroad particularly in the NBA G-League, the no.4 pick has never played in a title series such as this — something he himself had disclosed previously.
“To be very honest … We really didn’t know what kind of game we would get from Mikey because this is his first — he’ll be the first to tell you — experience in a Finals like this,” said the decorated bench tactician.
But surely, all those uncertainties whatsoever have been washed away as Williams has made quite a splash in his first-ever Finals stint.
During the five-game series, the Cal State Fullerton averaged 27.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Williams scored 20-plus points in all five games en route to becoming the first rookie in 12 years to win the PBA Finals MVP plum.
Photo by PBA Images
“I knew he’d play well. Would he play this well? Let’s say it’s a pleasant surprise,” said Reyes.
“But I think his teammates also have a lot to do with it.”
The 58-year-old believes that their semis duel with San Miguel Beer proved instrumental for Williams’ confidence, since he went up against defender extraordinaire Chris Ross in the best-of-seven battle that went the full route.
“I think going up against a guard like Chris Ross in the semis was really instrumental for Mikey to develop, I guess, his confidence and his playmaking ability,” said the multiple-time champion coach.
What Reyes has really been impressed about his prized ward, though, isn’t his scoring per se, but the other things he’s been doing as well.
“Yes he can make shots, but he also does a lot of things for us — he rebounds, he plays defense for us.
“And, the most important thing is he plays within the system,” Reyes continued. “His teammates love playing for him — you can ask Ryan [Reyes]. Because, you know, he’s willing to do whatever it takes.”
