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Tag: Mikey Williams

  • Slow start, steady rise: Mikey Williams finding form for Converge amid PBA struggles

    Slow start, steady rise: Mikey Williams finding form for Converge amid PBA struggles

    The Converge FiberXers have stumbled out of the gates in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, managing just a single win against four losses to sit near the bottom of the standings in 11th place. While their record paints a grim picture, recent performances suggest the team may be inching toward better form.

     

    Their latest outing—a narrow 103-99 defeat to the San Miguel Beermen on Wednesday, March 25, at the Ynares Center—offered a mix of frustration and optimism. Despite falling short, Converge showed flashes of cohesion, particularly on the offensive end, where ball movement and playmaking were noticeably improved.

     

    A key bright spot in the loss was the resurgence of veteran guard Mikey Williams. After a sluggish start to the conference, Williams delivered a more composed and impactful performance, finishing with 14 points on 33 percent shooting while also contributing three rebounds and eight assists. The outing marked a significant leap from his first three games, where he averaged just 3.3 points on a dismal 14 percent shooting clip.

     

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    Williams’ early struggles can largely be attributed to limited preparation time. The Filipino-American guard only joined Converge’s training camp a week before the Commissioner’s Cup tipped off, leaving him little opportunity to build chemistry with his teammates or fully integrate into the system.

     

    “My objective is to just keep stacking days. I’m in the lab everyday. I have got to keep working. I know I have played this game my entire life and things will come when they come. I’m not putting too much pressure on that. I’m just trying to do the little things to help my team so far,” Williams said in a media interaction.

    Beyond his scoring, Williams’ playmaking stood out as a crucial factor in keeping Converge competitive. The FiberXers actually out-assisted the Beermen, 25-23, a sign that their offensive execution is beginning to take shape despite the losses.

     

    “I have always been a willing passer. I’m just a playmaker. I have always molded my game around that. But guys are just knocking them down and I’m finding the right people in the right places,” he added.

     

    The numbers may not yet fully reflect it, but Williams’ growing comfort within the team’s system is evident. His ability to orchestrate the offense and create opportunities for teammates could prove vital as Converge looks to turn its campaign around in the coming weeks.

     

    “I’m still adjusting to everything. I’m still in the adjustment period but slowly but steadily, everything is going in the right direction for me. Morale wise, I think that’s the biggest takeaway for me,” Williams concluded.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup progresses, Converge will be hoping that these incremental improvements translate into wins. Their next challenge will be a daunting one, as they prepare to face league powerhouse Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday, March 29, at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    With momentum slowly building and Williams finding his rhythm, the FiberXers will be eager to prove that their early struggles are merely growing pains rather than a sign of deeper issues.

     

     

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  • Mikey Williams focuses on Converge, not TNT reunion

    Mikey Williams focuses on Converge, not TNT reunion

    Mikey Williams marked his long-awaited return to the PBA by suiting up for the Converge FiberXers, helping his new team rally past the Macau Black Knights, 102-94, in the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup opener at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Despite limited minutes in his first game in nearly three years, Williams made his presence felt. Entering in the fourth quarter, he contributed three key assists as Converge closed the game with a decisive 14-0 run to seal the victory.

     

    The former Finals MVP, who won multiple championships with TNT Tropang 5G, is aware that fans are already buzzing about a potential showdown against his old team. Yet, Williams remains grounded and focused on the immediate challenge.

     

    “I’m not really focused on that right now,” he said when asked about facing TNT. “We have a game in front of us on Saturday, so we’re just taking everything one game at a time.”

     

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    Instead of looking ahead to potential storybook reunions, Williams’ priority is finding his rhythm with Converge, a team he joined just days before the season opener. He praised the existing core, which includes guards Alec Stockton and Juan Gomez de Liaño, big men Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar, and import Kylor Kelley.

     

    “They already have a great foundation from the guards to the bigs,” he said. “I’m just trying to assert myself where I see fit.”

     

    For Williams, the return to the PBA was more than just another game—it was a personal milestone. “Time after time, not being able to do what I love to do—that’s the hardest thing to deal with,” he reflected. “So I was just happy to touch the floor again.”

     

    As the FiberXers prepare for their next outing, Williams’ measured approach signals a veteran mindset: one game at a time, building chemistry, and letting future matchups unfold naturally.

     

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  • Mikey Williams reveals why he was limited to fourth-quarter action following his PBA comeback with Converge

    Mikey Williams reveals why he was limited to fourth-quarter action following his PBA comeback with Converge

    Mikey Williams finally stepped back onto the PBA hardwood on Wednesday night—but his return came with an unusual twist.


    The two-time Finals MVP had to spend most of Converge FiberXers’ season-opening clash against the Macau Black Knights watching from the bench before he could even play a single minute in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Williams’ long-awaited comeback was delayed by paperwork rather than basketball decisions. The guard had to wait for his Letter of Clearance (LOC) from FIBA, a document confirming that a player has fulfilled contractual obligations with previous teams, clubs, or federations.

     

    As the game unfolded, the necessary clearance had yet to arrive, forcing Williams to sit through the first three quarters despite being available to play.

     

    Though he did not explicitly mention the document, Williams confirmed that certain matters were still being settled while the game was already underway—ultimately delaying his debut for Converge.

     

    Once everything was finally cleared, he was given the green light to enter the game in the fourth quarter, marking his first appearance in the PBA in nearly three years.

     

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    “There were some things that we couldn’t control that kinda faltered me from playing in the first three quarters to help the team. But I’m glad it finally got cleared up in the fourth quarter, and they gave me the go-ahead to play. Just tried to insert myself, help the team as best as I could, in any way that I could,” Williams said.

     

    Although the 34-year-old guard struggled to find his rhythm offensively—missing all four of his field-goal attempts, he still managed to contribute in other ways. 

     

    Williams finished with two rebounds, three assists, and one steal as Converge secured the victory over Macau.

     

    For Williams, however, the night meant far more than statistics. Returning to competitive basketball and sharing the floor with teammates again was what truly mattered after such a long absence.

    “But more importantly, I missed the camaraderie with a team and being around teammates. It’s something new that we’re building here, just glad to be a part of it,” he said.

     

    Now beginning a new chapter with the FiberXers, Williams understands that adjusting to his new team will take time. Learning Converge’s system and identifying where he best fits within a roster filled with young talent will be part of the process moving forward.

     

    For the Los Angeles-born guard, the priority is patience—taking small steps as he reintegrates himself into the team and the league.

     

    “The foundation is right where it needs to be. The right guys, the right people at the helm, at the reins to get us to go. I just think it’s learning to focus in and do the little things that we need to do to get those gut-wrenching wins,” Los Angeles-born guard said.

     

    Even with limited minutes, Williams’ presence signaled the start of what could be a significant new chapter—for both the veteran guard and the young Converge franchise.

     

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  • Willie Miller confident Mikey Williams will regain form with Converge despite slow start

    Willie Miller confident Mikey Williams will regain form with Converge despite slow start

    Patience will be key for Converge as it integrates Mikey Williams into its backcourt rotation for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Deputy coach Willie Miller admitted that the Filipino-American guard is still working his way back into peak condition, but he remains confident that the former TNT star will rediscover the form that once made him one of the league’s most feared scorers.

     

    Williams only recently returned to the Philippines after spending time in the United States, and while he has already joined the FiberXers in practice, Miller said there are still a few adjustments needed before the explosive guard reaches full rhythm.

     

    “Yung shooting niya andun pa rin. Hindi pa rin nawala,” noted the two-time MVP.

     

    “Tingin ko yung timing lang talaga ang kulang pa sa kanya.”

     

    Miller, who is responsible for overseeing Converge’s guards, made it clear that getting Williams back into game-ready shape is now part of his responsibilities with the team.

     

    “Sa mga guard ako ang assigned. Sa big men, si DI (Danny Ildefonso) diyan,” said the former Letran standout, referring to fellow assistant coach Danny Ildefonso.

     

    “Ikukundisyon natin yan,” he added.

     

    Williams arrived in the country last week and wasted little time reconnecting with his new squad, attending practice just a day or two after landing.

     

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    The prolific guard joined Converge through a blockbuster trade last year that sent Jordan Heading to TNT, ending Williams’ previous chapter with the Tropang Giga where he played a major role in winning two PBA championships.

     

    Although he has been away from competitive basketball in the league, Miller shared that Williams stayed active while in the US.

     

    “Nagpapa-kundisyon naman siya sa US. Madalas din daw siyang maglaro sa mga pick up games. Minsan may mga former NBA players pa siyang nakakalaro,” Miller shared.

     

    “Pero siyempre, iba pa rin talaga yung competitive games.”

     

    Beyond Williams’ individual preparation, Converge also faces another challenge — blending a roster packed with talent.

     

    The FiberXers feature a star-studded lineup that includes Williams, Juan Gomez De Liano, Alec Stockton, Kurt Reyson, MJ Garcia, Archie Concepcion, Calvin Abueva, Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, and Jonnel Policarpio, along with towering 7-foot import Kylor Kelley.

     

    For Miller, the key will be building chemistry so the team can maximize its depth without sacrificing offensive flow.

     

    “Sabi nga ni Gov (coach Delta Pineda) good problem yan. In time, pag nakuha na yung chemistry ng team, tingin ko hindi naman yan magiging problema,” he said.

     

    Miller pointed out that powerhouse teams like San Miguel Beer, TNT, and Barangay Ginebra have managed to succeed despite having multiple stars sharing the floor.

     

    If the FiberXers can find that same balance, Converge may soon become one of the most dangerous teams in the conference.

     

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  • Converge governor praises Mikey Williams’ attitude upon his return to the PBA

    Converge governor praises Mikey Williams’ attitude upon his return to the PBA

    After nearly three years away from competitive basketball in the league, Mikey Williams is beginning a new journey and this time with Converge, as he works his way back toward the PBA spotlight.

     

    The former Finals MVP has already touched down in Manila and wasted no time settling into preparation mode, according to Converge team governor Archen Cayabyab. From the moment he arrived earlier this week, Williams showed eagerness to get back to work.

     

    “Very highly motivated siya. Talagang naka-focus ang bata. Ang unang nga niyang hinanapan, gym. Gym kaagad. He is totally fit. Talagang babawi siya ngayong this coming conference,” Cayabyab said.

     

    Williams has already started participating in team activities with the FiberXers as they gear up for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup. 

     

    His reintegration into the squad began during the team’s bonding trip in Laguna, where he joined teammates in a recent team-building activity before returning to on-court preparations.

     

    The Converge guard is now working through the early stages of his comeback, focusing not only on conditioning but also reconnecting with the rhythm of team basketball. 

     

    His last appearance in a competitive PBA game dates back to April 21, 2023, when TNT edged Barangay Ginebra, 97-93, in the Finals — a series that saw Williams capture his second Finals MVP award.

     

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    While the talent and experience are unquestioned, Cayabyab acknowledged that the adjustment period is still ongoing, especially with the Commissioner’s Cup approaching quickly.

     

    “Kailangan pa natin chemistry sa mga ka-teammates niya, mga kasama niya. Pero okay naman nakita ko, nag-observe naman ako last night. Talagang kasama niya ang buong team, nag-enjoy siya. At home siya, sa totoo lang,” the team’s governor said.

     

    Building familiarity with the system and establishing chemistry with new teammates remain among the priorities as Williams prepares for his first appearance in a Converge uniform. The FiberXers are scheduled to open their campaign against the Macau Black Bears, giving the returning guard limited time to fully settle in.

     

    Despite the tight timeline, Cayabyab expressed confidence that Williams’ basketball intelligence will help him adapt quickly to the team’s structure.

     

    “Sinabi niya kumbaga hindi siya pumunta sa team para makasira sa team. Pero nandito siya para makatulong sa goal ng team na gusto makarating sa semis muna hanggang sa makarating ng championship,” he said.

     

    Cayabyab admitted the biggest concern lies in the timing and game rhythm Williams needs to regain after such a long layoff.

     

    “Almost three years, ang inaalala ko ang timing niya. Baka manibago pa siya kasi next week na, may laro na kami. So hindi pa siya masyadong familiar sa system pero very high IQ naman si Mikey. Madali niya makukuha ‘yan,” said the amiable Cayabyab.

     

    For Converge, Williams’ arrival represents both a boost in talent and a renewed sense of optimism. For the guard himself, the upcoming conference offers a chance to rediscover his form and prove he can still be a difference-maker in the league.

     

     

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  • Mikey Williams nears long‑awaited PBA return, logs in with Converge FiberXers

    Mikey Williams nears long‑awaited PBA return, logs in with Converge FiberXers

    After a lengthy absence, Mikey Williams is finally preparing to light up the Philippine Basketball Association once again — this time with the Converge FiberXers.

     

    Williams confirmed his return via an Instagram Story, where he revealed that he has arrived in the Philippines, is already with the FiberXers, and has taken part in recent team‑building activities. His caption summed up the moment simply but meaningfully: “It’s all God… And just like that, it begins.”

     

    The sharpshooting guard hasn’t appeared in a PBA game since the 2023 Governors’ Cup, where he delivered a memorable performance for TNT Tropang Giga. Williams finished that series with a brilliant 38‑point outing in Game 6 of the finals and averaged 22.0 points while leading TNT to the championship, earning his second Finals MVP in the process. That came on the heels of his first Finals MVP in the 2021 Philippine Cup, when he carried TNT to its first title in six years shortly after being drafted.

     

    Across his first three seasons in the league (2021–2023), Williams established himself as one of the most electric scorers in the PBA, averaging 18.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while thrilling crowds with his shooting range and clutch instincts. 

     

    He also earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2021, led the league in scoring early in his career, and secured Mythical Team nods — achievements that cemented his status as a franchise cornerstone during his time with TNT.

     

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    Off‑court dynamics, however, kept Williams away from the league for nearly two years. Contract talks with TNT stalled after the 2023 season, eventually leading to TNT terminating his contract while still retaining his rights. This impasse kept him from taking the court professionally in the PBA and led to speculation about his future — including appearances abroad such as at the Dubai International Basketball Championship in early 2025.

     

    Everything changed mid‑2025, when the PBA approved a one‑for‑one trade sending Williams’ signing rights from TNT to Converge in exchange for veteran guard Jordan Heading. With that move, the doors finally opened for Williams to sign with a new team and make his highly anticipated comeback.

     

    Now rostered alongside standout talents like Juan Gomez de Liaño, Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, Alec Stockton, and Calvin Abueva, Williams adds a proven scorer and leader to a Converge core that has been reshaped for deeper postseason runs.

     

    For PBA fans, his return is more than a roster addition — it’s the homecoming of one of the league’s most electrifying offensive forces. After years of negotiation drama, geographical hiatus, and what‑ifs, Mikey Williams’ comeback promises to be one of the most watched storylines of the season. 

     

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