MANILA – Filipino-American gunner Mikey Williams is set to join the Strong Group-Philippines team that will compete in the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship slated from January 19 to 28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
According to multiple reports, the former TNT Tropang Giga gunner has agreed in principle to join the Charles Tiu-mentored Strong Group-Philippines for the said tournament.
Williams, a two-time PBA champion during his time with TNT, is currently a free agent after failing to reach a contract agreement with the Tropang Giga during the PBA offseason.
The veteran guard has not played competitive basketball since helping the Tropang Giga capture the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup championship against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings.
This is Williams’ second time to compete in the Dubai tournament after becoming part of the Mighty Sports-Philippines squad that captured a championship in the said event in 2019.
Williams will be one of the gunners in the squad aside from Francis Escandor, JD Cagulangan, Winston Ynot, Justine Sanchez, and former Gilas Pilipinas shooter Jordan Heading.
Meanwhile, also joining the Strong Group-Philippines team is center Justine Baltazar, who was part of the Philippine squad that finished in the quarterfinals round during the same tournament last year.
Baltazar, who recently helped Pampanga Giant Lanterns to Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball Championship, has already appeared during the Strong Group’s practice on Monday night.
The former De La Salle University Green Archers center will bolster the team’s local frontline that also has reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao and College of St. Benilde Blazers center Allen Liwag.
The Strong Group-Philippines will have four American reinforcements in former NBA players Dwight Howard, Andre Roberson and Andray Blatche, and former PBA import McKenzie Moore./PN
