One thing that Filipino basketball fans has to know this early about TNT Tropang Giga rookie Mikey Williams is that he’s a dead ringer of Nick Young, the former NBA player known by his moniker Swaggy P.
Actually, he is called “Swaggy Pinoy” in the US.
The former stalwart at Cal State Fullerton said that he gets that observation as a look-alike of Young, who won a NBA title in 2018 with the Golden State Warriors, as he played with the latter in pick up games.
“I have been fortunate enough to play with Nick Young a lot every summer in the Drew League… they call me Swaggy Pinoy,” said the 28-year-old Williams during his appearance on the weekly sports show The Chasedown last Saturday on One PH over Cignal TV.
TNT selected Williams with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft, behind fellow Fil-Ams Joshua Munzon, the top selection who went to Terrafirma, and Jamie Malonzo, tabbed second overall by NorthPort.
Williams said he is excited to play in the PBA, and showcase his talent just like he did when he played for the Titans and the Sioux Falls Skyforce and Canton Charge in the NBA G League.
“They’ll definitely get a tremendous player, I’m a playmaker, I’m a scorer,” said Williams, who averaged almost 18 points with 4.13 rebounds and 2.45 assists in his only season with the Titans – a Division 1 school in the US NCAA.
“I’m just looking to just come in and do the things I’ve done my entire life and that’s just play the game the right way. Make the team better, do the little things to help us get wins.”
Williams said he has not spoken to returning TNT bench tactician Chot Reyes, although he said it’s an honor for him to play for the eight-time PBA champion coach and former Gilas Pilipinas mentor.
He said he would definitely learn so much about the game and the PBA style of play under Reyes, as well as playing with TNT veterans like Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy, Poy Erram and comebacking Kelly Williams.
“It’s a great opportunity to be under somebody that is very prestigious, He’s knowledge of the game and what he brings to the table is uncanny. I feel like having him there will definitely up our play and give us an opportunity to learn, especially me being the new kid on the block,” he said.
“I’m just looking forward to just being a sponge and kind of pick everyone’s brain around, and just continue to get better mentally and physically on the court,” added Williams, who also played for the Saigon Heat in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).
Williams said that he is not feeling any pressure on other people’s viewpoint that he’s filling the shoes of scoring machine Bobby Ray Parks Jr., who recently decided to skip the coming PBA season.
He said that once the games begin, he would be out there playing his own style.
“Bobby is a great player on his own but me coming into the team is definitely me just bringing what I bring to the table. I’m going to let my game do the talking… I promise everybody that they’ll gonna see what they’ve been waiting to see,” said Williams.