By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter
Former Philippine Basketball Association most valuable player Kelly Williams is back with the TNT Tropang GIGA, the team announced on Thursday.
Decided to retire last year just as the league was gearing up to play its “bubble” tournament, Mr. Williams, the 2007 PBA rookie of the year and MVP the following year, apparently reconsidered his decision and signed a two-year deal to play for TNT anew.
“We would like to welcome Kelly back to TNT Tropang GIGA. His leadership and experience will help us achieve success in the upcoming conference,” said TNT team manager Gabby Cui in a statement.
Thirty-nine-year-old Williams spent 10 seasons with the TNT franchise prior to announcing his retirement after spending his first few years in the league with the now-defunct Sta. Lucia Realtors.
During that run with TNT he helped the team to five league titles, the last one coming in 2015 with the Commissioner’s Cup.
He holds career averages of 10.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists.
In his return, Mr. Williams is expected to provide leadership and shore up the frontline of the team, now handled by the also-TNT returning Chot Reyes.
TNT had a good run in the lone PBA tournament last year, finishing runner-up to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings in the Philippine Cup finals.