PBA: Hurting Mikey Williams draws energy from TNT’s faith in him

TNT star Mikey Williams. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—TNT continued to put its trust in Mikey Williams when it mattered the most—even despite his Achilles injury.

Last month, Williams revealed that he is feeling discomfort in both his Achilles tendons which began to hurt in September during the All-Filipino Cup Finals series against San Miguel. 

A month later, the pain, according to the guard, is still lingering, but Tropang Giga’s trust made it more than bearable.

“It’s just a progressive thing that I have to continue to focus on and keep strengthening. Today, my teammates and coaching staff just told me to stay aggressive and keep on doing what I do, day in and day out,” said Williams after their 111-104 win over Meralco in the PBA Governors’ Cup tournament at Araneta Coliseum on Friday.

“With that little faith that they have in me, it just gives me that little extra push that I need to keep fighting through this injury,” he added.

Williams finished with 25 points and five rebounds, built on four shots from beyond the arc. He also played an extended 41 minutes to relieve Roger Pogoy from the game.

Pogoy, who coach Jojo Lastimosa uses for over 34 minutes per game, had to sit out the majority of the game due to a mishap in the first quarter where he accidentally stepped on Chris Banchero’s foot in the 49.2 mark of the first quarter.

The Far Eastern University product returned to the game but only for limited time, giving Williams more exposure in the playing field for 42 minutes.

“I still have enough forces left on my bench and Mikey did a big help taking off that scoring load off Roger. That was huge and these guys know how to grind it out,” explained Lastimosa.

The win against the Bolts marks TNT’s second win in three days to put the squad on top of the pack with a 7-1 record.

“Before the game I told them we’re coming off back-to-back (games) but thankfully, the guys were ready,” the coach added.

Pogoy is questionable for Tropang Giga but Williams will be sure to step up to the plate either way as he is currently averaging 15.4 markers, 5.0 boards and 4.1 dimes a night.