Is TNT looking for Jayson “The Blur” Castro’s heir apparent?
If that’s the direction the Tropang Giga is going to undertake, then taking in Mikey Williams, a US NCAA Division 1 player and former D-League veteran, will be the logical choice for the fourth overall pick in the coming PBA Rookie Draft.
Williams had a sensational season playing for Cal State Fullerton and had a stint with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, not to mention his impressive stint in the Philippines while playing for Mighty Sports in the Dubai International Tournament and the William Jones Cup in Taipei and the General Santos City Warriors in the MPBL.
The 6’2” combo guard could be an ideal selection at No. 4 as the Tropang Giga prepare for their future with life after Castro, one of the best guards the franchise ever had and became a part of the team’s six championship teams.
Now 34, Castro is still a force to reckon with, averaging 18.44 points and 5.11 assists per game, but there were times that he was forced to play extended minutes. In last year’s bubble tournament, he averaged 26.70 minutes per game and even skipped two games in the elimination round.
Having a player in the mold of Williams will certainly beef up the guard rotation as the team will have a player who can immediately make an impact in the backcourt, especially now that the future of disgruntled player Ray Parks looks uncertain.
Not just one but “two Williams” are better for TNT, which also welcomed the return of Kelly Williams in their roster to add more muscle to the front court of the squad that will be anchored by big men Poy Erram and Troy Rosario.
TNT board governor and current league chairman Ricky Vargas indicated in a text message that securing the No. 4 pick was part of the franchise’s rebuilding plans.
“That’s part of a three-year rebuilding program to build stability, sustainability, culture and competitiveness,” texted Vargas.
Prior to the three-team trade, TNT has no first and second-round picks, but after engaging in a deal that enabled them to acquire the No.4 pick from the NLEX Road Warriors, the Tropang Giga had to unload guard Simon Enciso, center/forward David Semerad, their 2023 first round pick and 2024 second round pick, which were all sent to Blackwater.
NLEX, on the other hand, got center Maurice Shaw, forward Don Trollano, guard Roi Sumang and the Bossing’s 2022 second round pick.
TNT also earned the right to select fourth in the special draft for Gilas where players William Navarro, Tzady Rangel, Jaydee Tungcab and Jordan Heading are included.
Head coach Chot Reyes said he was not a part of that plan envisioned by TNT as the idea was created even before he was recalled to take over as head coach.
“That was already in the works before I got here,” added Reyes, who didn’t divulge the player he wants to select for the No. 4 pick.