TNT KaTropa forward Williams: being ready
VETERAN TNT KATROPA forward Kelly Williams turns 36 years old today. But while he is no longer a spring chicken and has already logged so many minutes in 12 years in playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), he has shown no signs of slowing down, even saying that he is a “better” player now than ever before.
Key to what has been a productive tenure for him even late in his career, the former PBA most valuable player said is “being ready,” giving his best each time he steps on the floor regardless if he is a starter or not.
“I think that is every player’s mind-set going into a game. You want to do the best you can and give your all. Just take advantage of the time given you because you’ll never know when you will get another opportunity,” Mr. Williams shared to a group of sportswriters following their 90-85 win over the Kia Picanto last week.
“I consider myself a better player now than before. I was an MVP with Sta. Lucia and I have moved here at TNT and adjusted and evolved over the years. I have matured in how approach the game and I’m just grateful,” said Mr. Williams, who spent his early years in the PBA with the now-defunct Sta. Lucia Realtors, which he helped win a title in 2007.
In their game against Kia, Mr. Williams further underscored his “being ready” mantra, stepping up in lieu of the unavailable Mo Tautuaa ( bum stomach) to help his team notch the hardearned win.
Mr. Williams top-scored with 23 points, on 61% shooting (11of- 18), to go along with eight rebounds while providing stability and leadership amid a tough and spirited challenge from the unpredictable Picanto.
“It certainly felt good tonight. Mo was out and we just picked it up,” Mr. Williams said.
He went on to say that the mind-set to step up for him and his team would continue, more so with the possibility of TNT losing some players briefly to Gilas Pilipinas which will see action for the second window of competition for the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers this month.
“It’s like anything else. When one is out you have to fill up those shoes. So it won’t be different,” said Mr. Williams, who expressed hope to stay healthy moving forward so as to continue playing at a high level for TNT.
TNT VS PHOENIX
Meanwhile, Mr. Williams and TNT (4-3) trek back to the court today against the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the curtain-raiser at 4:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The KaTropa try to build on their win over Kia last time around and win back- to- back to solidify their push for a spot in the top four in the standings.
Apart from Mr. Williams, TNT is also banking on their other players, including All- Star guard Jayson Castro, who had 22 points and nine rebounds in their last game as well as RR Garcia who provided the finishing touches in their last game and finished with 13.
Phoenix (3-4), for its part, is coming off a loss in the hands of the streaking Alaska Aces, 93-75, last week.
Matthew Wright and Jeff Chan led the Fuel Masters with 16 and 14 points, respectively, but they could tow the team to victory against a thorough Alaska attack.
Playing in the main game today at 7 p. m. are the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings (3-4) against Kia (1-6).
On another note, Alaska’s Vic Manuel was named PBA player of the week after averaging steady numbers of 15.5 points, four rebounds, two assists and 1.5 steals and helping his team notch wins over Phoenix and GlobalPort Batang Pier.
In winning the weekly citation, “Muscleman” Manuel beat out teammate Chris Banchero, TNT’s Williams and Castro, Rain or Shine’s Beau Belga, Chris Tiu and Ed Daquioag, San Miguel’s Chris Ross, Chico Lanete and June Mar Fajardo, NLEX’s Cyrus Baguio and Larry Fonacier and Magnolia’s Mark Barroca.