MANILA – TNT KaTropa forward Kelly Williams on Monday decided to cap off his professional basketball career that spanned for 14 years and won six Philippine Basketball Association championships.
The 38-year-old baller announced his retirement on Instagram, just days after his contract was renewed by the KaTropa in time for the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup resumption.
“It’s with gladness & sadness that I announce my retirement from basketball. I couldn’t have predicted that I’d have the kind of career I was able to experience,” Williams wrote.
“Thank you, Philippines, for giving me solid ground to grow as both a player and a man for the last 15 years. Thank you, PBA, for giving me access to your stage for 14 seasons and to the great fans who supported me during my time. I gave my all when I put Pilipinas and my teams on my chest and I hope you felt that,” he added.
The KaTropa, in a statement, also expressed their gratitude on Williams for spending huge part of his professional basketball career with the franchise.
“We would like to thank Kelly Williams for everything he has done for TNT Katropa,” said team manager Gabby Cui. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Williams arrived in the country in 2005, the time he was recruited by then national men’s basketball team head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes. He played for Magnolia team in the Philippine Basketball League and won a championship with Arwind Santos.
A year later, Williams was selected as no. 1 overall by the Sta. Lucia Realtors, where he spent the first four years of his PBA career winning Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Best Player of the Conference, and his first PBA championship.
Williams was then traded to the KaTropa franchise where he captured his five other victories. He also suited up for the Philippine team in 2005 and 2011 as part of the original Gilas Pilipinas.
Williams was also supposed to play in 2009 FIBA Asia Men’s Championship but was diagnosed with a recurring rare blood disorder that forced him to stop playing for a while.
Williams is likewise a three-time Mythical First Team, a four-time Mythical Second Team, and once made it to the All-Defensive Team. He’s also been named as part of the PBA’s 40 Greatest Players of All Time./PN
