Mikey Williams got the best of TNT on Wednesday night, but make no mistake about thinking that he was out for some personal vendetta.
That night was his first time playing against his former team since that messy split a couple of years ago. But it’s all in the past now for the star guard and the franchise in which he began his PBA career.
“No love lost; still got mad love for everybody,” he told reporters moments after their 97-92 victory at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, their second in three outings to keep their playoff hopes up in the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
Many were anticipating watching Williams in the marquee matchup given his history with the Tropang 5G, who selected him at fourth overall during the 2021 Rookie Draft — a pick that came from NLEX through a three-team trade.
It was with the flagship MVP ball club where he tasted the highest of highs in Asia’s first play-for-pay league, having won a Philippine Cup championship during his rookie year and then a Governors’ Cup title a season later.
But a prolonged contract dispute dented what had been a harmonious relationship between the two, leading to his termination in November 2023 and an extended absence from the league.
Fast forward to now, and he’s wearing purple and teal while representing one of the PBA’s younger franchises, serving as a vet to a youth-laden crew.
(C) PBA Images
And since joining Converge before the ongoing conference, fans and observers alike waited for their bout against TNT, since it would pit him against his ex-team. That finally arrived on Wednesday night at the old venue in Malate.
Coach Chot Reyes and his men had prepared defensively for Williams, and they did limit the spitfire swingman, although he still finished with 13 points, two rebounds, and three assists to lead the bench.
He was also responsible for settling the final count with a split during the dying seconds. But as the final buzzer rang, he made sure to greet his former teammates, as well as his old mentor, before rejoining his squad.
“That was always heartfelt,” he reflected. “I went to battle with those guys across the other side of the floor. It’s always good seeing everybody.”
But of course, his heart is now with the FiberXers, who acquired his rights in exchange for Jordan Heading in a straight-up swap back in June of last year and patiently waited for him to come back and play, which he eventually did.
“It’s a new home for me now, so it’s all that’s important,” said the 34-year-old, who made his debut with the franchise during the conference opener last March 11, a 102-94 come-from-behind victory against guest team Macau.
Furthermore, he’s happier to have helped Converge take the win against TNT as it is crucial for their aspirations of making a late playoff push.
“It’s a great win. We fought hard, and we played together today,” said Williams, whose team improved to 3-6 in the standings.
“I think that was the biggest takeaway, but we played it for 48 minutes. And that helped us win the game.”
