TNT’s Mikey Williams still on ‘extended vacation’

TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa knows the challenges the team is facing as the Tropang Giga prepare for the PBA Season 48.

For one, TNT kicks off the Commissioner’s Cup, the opening conference for the season against a souped-up Magnolia squad on November 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Giga won’t have big men Poy Erram and Justin Chua, both recovering from separate knee surgeries, while sharpshooter Roger Pogoy is also out for six months as he recovers from myocarditis.

Mikey Williams PBA PHOTO 

Worse, Filipino-American guard Mikey Williams is still on extended vacation in the U.S., a situation Lastimosa would rather not discuss.

“We roll with the guys who are present,” Lastimosa said matter-of-factly to The Manila Times when asked about Williams’ status.

Other than the Season 48, Lastimosa is also preparing for the Tropang Giga for the East Asia Super League home-and-away tournament that got underway over a week ago.

An undermanned TNT got whacked by Japanese club team Chiba Jets, 92-75 in Japan last October 11 in a game that saw the host squad unload 16 triples.

The Tropang Giga, however, have a chance to get back at the Jets on November 1 when they host the visiting Chiba side in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Lastimosa’s plate may be full at this point as he tries to work with the remaining healthy players he has, but he is also hopeful that the 6-foot-8 Erram could be back in time for the Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.

“Yes I think so. I’m hoping, maybe Erram could play, hopefully in the playoffs,” said Lastimosa.

Veteran slot man Kelly Williams, at 41, will be entering his 16th season in the PBA. He is expected to play a big role, though he’ll get an added help underneath with the offseason acquisition of Jewel Ponferada.

Ponferada came on board after being traded by Rain or Shine to TNT in exchange for a future first-round pick and Dave Marcelo.

Still, Lastimosa has combo guard Jayson Castro leading the way, along with Calvin Oftana, fresh from his Gilas stint in the Asian Games, as well as vastly-improved Glen Khobuntin, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and Kim Montalbo.