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Mikey Williams (right) feels Tropang Giga is “clicking on all cylinders.” — AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Mikey Williams agreed that TNT’s perch atop the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup was brought about by one important factor.
“Chemistry is definitely a building block,” the dynamic scorer told the Inquirer as he exited the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City last night, after Tropang Giga cruised past San Miguel Beer, 105-103, for the tournament’s solo lead.
Having Williams jump on the chemical bandwagon is as important as agreeing with far as the reason for TNT’s early success.
Back in October, Williams was penalized for skipping practice and taking leaves without prior notice. And TNT’s current interim coach Jojo Lastimosa, a member of the fabled Alaska Milk crew known as sticklers for professionalism, has a choice word to keep the 31-year-old.
It was Lastimosa who cued the reporter on how chemistry has been used well for TNT.
“Coming in here, I didn’t know what was going to happen to us,” he said on Sunday.
“[It took] a lot of collaboration with the coach because like I said, the [players] don’t know me well yet,” he added. “I’m still trying to gain confidence slowly, and it will take time. I’m just surprised by the response to this record.”
That record now stands at 8-1 (win-loss) after Sunday’s game.
“Every game we’ve played has allowed us to learn more about ourselves, and right now we’re clicking on all cylinders,” Williams said.
“I’m proud of this team. We showed a lot of grit and battled through adversity – which we couldn’t control – and then we were able to close [tonight],” he added.
And how is this for adversity: Against the erstwhile colleader of San Miguel, TNT without the defensive anchor Poy Erram (bone spurs), deadeye gunner Roger Pogoy (bone bruise), and, half way through the game, Williams (ankle roll).
Having won 10 PBA titles as a pro and three more as an assistant coach, Lastimosa is no stranger to the value of playing on the same page.
“They know I’ve been playing for a long time and for me, the most important thing is chemistry,” he said. “We’re starting to see it in the coaches and the players as well.” INQ
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