Playing against San Miguel Beer’s Chris Ross during the semifinal series has helped build the confidence of super rookie Mikey Williams.
This is one of the many reasons why the 6’2” Williams is playing well in the best-of-seven finals series between his TNT team and the Magnolia Hotshots in the 2021 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
“Coming into the playoffs, we really did not know what kind of game we will get from Mikey, because this is his first experience in a finals series. But I think, going up against a guard like Chris (Ross) in the semis was an instrument for Mikey to develop his confidence and playmaking ability,” said Talk N Text Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes.
Reyes said this after the Tropang Giga held their ground and beat the Magnolia Hotshots, 106-89, in Game 4 Wednesday night.
In that game, Williams got support from his teammates at crucial stages of the game, as the Tropang Giga improved to 3-1 in the series and zeroed in on the title.
TNT shoots for the All-Filipino crown at 6 p.m. today.
“Yes, he can make shots. But he can also do a lot of things for us,” added Reyes now that the Tropang Giga are within reach of their sixth crown.
In the semis, where Williams sharpened his skills, the Tropang Giga won their best-of-seven series, 4-3, against the Beermen, following a 97-79 triumph in Game 7.
In that game, Williams tallied 28 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Ross had 15 points and 11 boards.
“He rebounds, he plays defense, and most important, he plays within the system. He does whatever it takes,” said Reyes.
Great teamwork from Williams with the rest of the TNT crew is expected to push Tropang Giga to a good position of claiming the crown, according to Reyes.