It has been a long time coming for PBA Draft prospect Mikey Williams.

The Filipino-American is bound to accomplish a goal he set for himself 5 years ago as he finally completed the requirements that make him eligible for the upcoming PBA Draft.

Brought by boxing icon Manny Pacquiao – whom he played pickup basketball with in Los Angeles – to the Philippines in 2016, Williams originally planned to play in the PBA D League and eventually get drafted in the PBA.

However, that plan fell through as Williams, whose late mother hails from Naga, lacked the documents required by the PBA for Filipino-foreigners.

Five years later, though, the 29-year-old can turn that dream into reality.

“I’m very relieved,” Williams told Rappler. “It is a weight lifted off my chest. It was very stressful. It was a stressful process worrying about a lot of documents I needed to get.”

“It has been definitely a journey in itself.”

Williams’ experience and credentials have made him a potential first-round pick in the draft, considered as the deepest in recent memory.

After finishing his US NCAA Division 1 career with Cal State Fullerton, Williams played 3 seasons in the NBA G League for the Sioux Falls Skyforce and the Canton Charge.

His best G League campaign came in the 2016-2017 season, where he averaged 5.6 points on a 41% clip from three-point range to go with 2.1 assists and 1.7 rebounds for a Canton squad that reached the playoffs.

Williams then suited up for the Saigon Heat in the ASEAN Basketball League and Mighty Sports, which he helped win the Dubai International Basketball Championship last year.

The 6-foot-2 guard last saw action for the General Santos Warriors in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League before the coronavirus pandemic hit.

“I can bring scoring, playmaking, defense, being a leader vocally,” he said.

“I feel like the experiences I’ve had prepared me for this opportunity. I’m just ready and looking forward to it.”

Williams said he is motivated by his family, including his late mother, and his support system as he makes the PBA leap.

“If she was here, she would be proud that I’m finally being able to take a step and just continuing my journey playing the game that she watched me grow up play,” Williams said.

“She is my angel and she is always with me wherever I go.” – Rappler.com