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Tag: Kelly Williams

  • TNT turns to Kelly Williams as veteran returns to Tropang 5G lineup 

    TNT turns to Kelly Williams as veteran returns to Tropang 5G lineup 

    TNT’s latest roster move says a lot about where the team believes it can gain an edge this conference.

     

    With size becoming an even bigger part of its identity, the Tropang 5G brought back veteran big man Kelly Williams to their active 15-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup matchup against Meralco, a move that further reinforces the frontcourt-heavy direction the team has started to lean into.

     

    Williams takes the place of Jio Jalalon, who was moved to the Unrestricted Free Agent list with rights to salary, as TNT continues to fine-tune its rotation while building momentum in the early stretch of the conference.

     

    On paper, it is a simple personnel swap.

     

    But in context, it also reflects how TNT is shaping itself around matchups, physicality, and depth — particularly with the towering presence of 7-foot-3 import Bol Bol already altering the look of its frontline.

     

    By activating the 6-foot-7 Williams, TNT adds another experienced and dependable interior piece to support that structure, giving the Tropang 5G more flexibility in how they manage minutes, size, and defensive cover against bigger opponents.

     

    For Williams, the activation marks his first appearance this conference after last seeing action in Game 6 of TNT’s Philippine Cup Finals series against San Miguel.

     

    The veteran had previously been placed under the UFAWR2S list while he was still in the United States, a procedural move that allowed TNT to create room for the arrival of mid-season recruit Justin Chua.

     

    That arrangement, however, was never expected to signal a real separation.

     

    As has been the case with other TNT players temporarily placed under the same list, Williams and the franchise reportedly maintain a gentleman’s agreement that he would not entertain other offers and would remain aligned with the team once circumstances allowed for his return.

     

    Now back in the country after arriving from the US last week, Williams re-enters a TNT squad that appears to be gradually finding its rhythm after an uneven start.

     

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    The Tropang 5G dropped their conference opener against Rain or Shine, but have since responded with back-to-back wins over San Miguel and NLEX, restoring some early momentum heading into a matchup that could further solidify their footing in the standings.

     

    That recent run has come while TNT continues to re-establish balance in its roster following the return of long-time captain Jayson Castro, who is back in action after missing an entire season due to a patellar tendon tear.

     

    Castro’s return has naturally shifted the backcourt equation, and that likely played a role in Jalalon’s limited involvement this conference.

     

    In the two games he suited up for TNT, the veteran guard averaged just seven minutes per outing, suggesting that consistent playing time may have been harder to come by in a guard rotation that has once again become more crowded.

     

    Williams’ addition, by contrast, gives TNT something it appears more eager to prioritize at this point of the conference: veteran size, defensive stability, and another proven body capable of helping anchor the paint.

     

    That could become particularly useful as the team continues to explore how best to maximize Bol Bol’s presence while maintaining balance across both ends of the floor.

     

    Against Meralco, the move may not immediately dominate the box score.

     

    But it could reveal more about the kind of team TNT wants to become this conference — one that is not just talented, but built to overwhelm with length, experience, and lineup versatility.

    And with Kelly Williams back in uniform, that vision just got a little bigger.

     

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  • Kelly Williams opens up on retirement after TNT’s PBA Philippine Cup finals loss

    Kelly Williams opens up on retirement after TNT’s PBA Philippine Cup finals loss

    The TNT Tropang Giga were left nursing another painful Finals defeat after bowing to the San Miguel Beermen, 92-77, in Game 6 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals on Sunday, February 1, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    The loss sealed the championship for San Miguel and ended TNT’s title bid, a bitter conclusion for a Tropang Giga squad that fought through a grueling conference. While emotions understandably ran high in the aftermath, veteran forward Kelly Williams made it clear that the setback—and his advancing age—are not enough to push him toward an immediate decision on retirement.

     

    At 43 years old, Williams acknowledged that the thought of walking away from the game is something he must eventually confront, but emphasized that it is far from his main concern at the moment.

     

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    “For as long as I’m here, I will always go out but it’s going to take some time to rest and recover. We will see what happens because retirement is obviously not off the table. I really don’t know for now,” Williams said during the post-match press conference.

     

    Despite struggling to find his rhythm offensively in the series-clinching loss, Williams once again demonstrated why he remains a valuable piece for TNT. Logging nearly 36 minutes of action in Game 6, the veteran showcased his conditioning, toughness, and willingness to do the dirty work—traits that have defined his career for more than a decade.

    His heavy workload was a testament to the dedication he continues to pour into training and maintaining peak physical condition, even as one of the league’s oldest active players. For Williams, however, the immediate focus is not legacy or longevity, but recovery—both mental and physical—after another taxing season.

     

    “I will take some time to see where I’m at emotionally and physically. Right now, the priority is to rest and recover. We will see what happens soon,” he added.

     

    The uncertainty surrounding Williams’ future is not unfamiliar territory. The veteran forward previously retired in September 2020, only to make a return to the TNT fold the following year, proving that his passion for the game still burned strong. Originally joining the Talk ‘N Text franchise in 2010, Williams spent nine seasons with the team before reuniting with the Tropang Giga in 2021.

     

    Throughout his tenure, Williams has been a cornerstone of the franchise’s success. His impact goes well beyond box scores, as he has played a crucial role in TNT’s championship pedigree, helping the team capture nine PBA titles. Among those achievements was a historic Philippine Cup three-peat from 2011 to 2013, cementing his status as one of the most accomplished big men of his generation.

     

    Williams’ individual résumé is just as impressive. Over the course of his storied career, he has collected the 2008 PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, the 2007 Rookie of the Year honor, two Comeback Player of the Year awards, two Slam Dunk Contest titles, and five PBA All-Star selections. Each accolade reflects a career marked by resilience, athleticism, and an ability to reinvent himself as the years pass.

     

    Even in defeat, Williams continues to defy age and expectations, proving that his presence on the court—and in the TNT locker room—still matters. Whether this Finals loss marks another chapter or the closing pages of his remarkable journey remains to be seen, but for now, Kelly Williams is focused on healing, reflecting, and leaving the door open for whatever comes next.

     

     

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  • “Keep everybody steady”: Kelly Williams reflects on role in TNT finals win

    “Keep everybody steady”: Kelly Williams reflects on role in TNT finals win

    For three quarters, TNT Tropang Giga looked poised to cruise to a comfortable win in the Philippine Cup Finals opener. By the end of the night, however, it wasn’t just early firepower that determined the outcome — it was composure under pressure that ultimately carried the day.

     

    The Tropang Giga had to withstand a late surge from the San Miguel Beermen and navigate a tense final stretch before emerging victorious, 96–91, in Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The win gave TNT a critical 1–0 edge in the best-of-seven series and set the tone for a potentially long and hard-fought championship matchup.

     

    Offensively, TNT showcased a balanced attack with six players scoring in double figures, but it was Kelly Williams who quietly set the tone throughout the contest. The veteran forward, a former PBA MVP, finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, yet his impact extended far beyond the box score. Late in the fourth quarter, Williams delivered back-to-back drop passes to Aaron Ganuelas-Rosser, resulting in two crucial inside baskets that pushed TNT’s lead to 90–83, temporarily halting San Miguel’s momentum and giving the Tropang Giga some breathing room.

     

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    Williams, the most experienced player on TNT’s roster, acknowledged the weight of responsibility he carries, especially in the absence of team captain Jayson Castro, who is sidelined due to injury. His role, he explained, is to maintain composure and calm among his teammates in high-stakes situations — a task he embraces wholeheartedly.

    “Yeah, that’s why coach Chot Reyes has me out there,” Williams said after the game. “My role is to keep everybody steady. I think I have probably the most experience in these finals situations, so I just try to guide the younger guys and make sure we execute under pressure.”

     

    The 43-year-old also drew inspiration from PBA legend Ranidel de Ocampo, whose jersey was recently retired by TNT. Williams said the ceremony reminded him of the value of staying calm amid chaos — a mindset he strives to emulate throughout the series.

     

    “I was reminded during Ranidel’s jersey retirement how important it is to remain calm in the storms,” Williams said. “I want to make sure I carry that energy not just for this game, but for the whole series. I trust our shooters to shoot, our guys to do what we need to do. Like coach said, our premium is playing defense and playing with a lot of energy, and that’s what I aim to help the team maintain.”

     

    Coach Chot Reyes lauded Williams’ leadership after the game, noting that his veteran presence was critical in helping TNT weather San Miguel’s late run and avoid potential mistakes in crunch time. “Kelly knows how to keep this team composed,” Reyes said. “His experience, decision-making, and calm energy were huge factors in this win.”

     

    With Game 2 scheduled for Friday, January 23, also at the Ynares Center, Williams and the Tropang Giga will aim to capitalize on their momentum and extend their lead in the series. If TNT can maintain their composure and continue executing in key moments, they will put themselves in a strong position to reclaim the Philippine Cup title.

     

    Beyond the stats, Game 1 showcased a team that blends youth and experience, firepower and strategy, and composure with intensity — qualities that TNT will need to sustain if they hope to emerge victorious in the finals. Williams, as the veteran anchor, will be central to guiding the team through the pressures and challenges that lie ahead.

     

     

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