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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Coach Chot glad to see super rookie Mikey Williams flourish in finals

Coach Chot glad to see super rookie Mikey Williams flourish in finals

Published Oct 29, 2021 01:49 pm

Photo from PBA

TNT is delighted to see super rookie Mikey Williams make up for his semifinal struggles with a sensational performance against Magnolia Pambansang Manok in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Williams has produced averages of 28.5 points on 55-percent shooting while adding 5.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists heading into the potential title-clinching Game 5, and could likely take the PBA Press Corps Finals Most Valuable Player award if TNT finishes the job.

It’s been a tremendous championship series for Williams, who had to endure facing premier defender Chris Ross and San Miguel Beer in the semis. In that series that went the full seven games, Williams posted 16.7 points and shot just 32 percent.

“To be very honest, coming into the playoffs, we really didn't know what kind of game we would get from Mikey because this is his first experience in a finals like this,” said Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes.

“But 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. 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.

“His teammates love playing for him. Because, you know, he's willing to do whatever it takes,” added Reyes.

That is why Reyes is glad that expectations were exceeded in the series as Williams put one great performance after another that also left the opposing side to also marvel at his play.

“Yes, I knew he'd play well. Would he play this well? Let's say it's a pleasant surprise. But I think his teammates also have a lot to do with it,” said the TNT coach.

Williams said first his finals experience of a nature such as a best-of-seven has been made easier with the support he’s getting within the Tropang Giga camp.

“It’s new to me. This is my first finals appearance,” said Williams, also recalling his championship with Mighty Sports Philippines in the 2020 Dubai Invitational. “I came in just not knowing what to expect but just relying on what the coaches are saying and my teammates are doing and just following in their lead.”

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