Kelly Williams admitted that he made a ‘rash decision’ when he decided to retire back in September of last year, leaving many in shock — including, of all people, the entire TNT Tropang Giga organization.
“At that time, I just made an emotional decision — a really rash decision,” the 2008 PBA Most Valuable Player told Radyo5’s Power and Play with Kom Noli Eala Saturday, as he finally opened up about that tumultuous span.
Williams made headlines during the first week of the ‘Ber months last year when he announced via social media that he would hang his sneakers for good. He ended a decorated career that saw him win numerous titles and accolades.
But as countless tributes poured in, his own team was left searching for answers. The flagship MVP Group franchise only learned about his retirement via social media, and questions surrounding his decision then sprung up.
According to TNT, Williams was among the players to receive contract extensions until the end of the year. And he was actually in the team’s training camp in Laguna before leaving the bubble without any notice.
Still, the Tropa waited to hear his side. And they eventually resolved the matter, as both camps talked things over. But really, what led to that decision?
“There were some disagreements and some things that I wasn’t happy with at that time,” he said “And with the business also on the court, you know… The past several years, not really being happy with how I was being played as a player.
“So when the business side of things got a little murky, that’s when, for me, it was like… You know what, maybe it’s time to kinda get myself out of the way, because I felt like it was just kinda tearing me apart on the inside.
“I love the sport, I love the game, and I’ve tried to get back to it here in the Philippines the best way I can and try to play the game the right way; and conduct myself within the business side as best as I can. I felt it was the best decision for me than just to leave it all alone altogether. I felt if I fought any more, it would just get really ugly,” he added.
Then again, Williams realized that he could have thought of a much better way to handle the situation. After all, TNT has been his home since 2010, where he won five of his six PBA championships.
“I didn’t handle it the best way,” he admitted. “Looking back, there was a better way to go about it, and maybe even salvage the situation and be able to play in the bubble last year. Maybe, maybe not, I don’t know.
“Like I said, for the next several months, I had to deal with myself and do a lot of internal work, and just try to move forward the best way I can and not harbor any bitterness or anger towards anyone. The franchise and the company have been nothing but great for me for the last 11 years now, and I have nothing but respect for the management and the organization altogether.”
That issue is water under the bridge already, and both camps are moving forward from it with peace. Now, they have their sights locked on helping the Tropang Giga end the franchise’s years-long title drought.
Williams, who turned 39 last February, came out of retirement last March and rejoined the ball club by signing a two-year deal.
His return came weeks after the team appointed Chot Reyes as its head coach to replace Bong Ravena and Mark Dickel. And Williams confessed that his former mentor’s comeback had inspired him to, well, come back too.
“The thing that perked my ears up was a text, and the thing that made me say, ‘Oh shit, this is quite well might happen’ was a DM on IG (Instagram),” he said, as he recalled how he found out about the major coaching change. “So the text was from Ryan Reyes and it had to be somewhere like three in the morning, ’cause he was in California at the time, and I was here in Manila.
“So I saw it and I was like, ‘Why is he messaging me and it had to be 3 or 4 in the morning?’ And the text said, ‘Hey man, Chot’s back. When are you coming back?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah right, Chot’s not back.’ And then he was like, ‘Check the news.’ So I went on Instagram, which is where I get all my up-to-date- current events, and checked my messages.
“And there was one from Chot. It just said, ‘Are you ready to come back?’ And I was like, ‘Oh sh*t. This is real.’ So from that minute on, I started weighing everything up, like. Let’s see how we might be able to do this. One hundred percent, with Chot coming back, that’s what pushed me over the edge,” added the multiple-time Mythical Team member.
Now, Williams is full of excitement for the next PBA season. He’s eager to buckle down to work with his teammates, especially the younger ones.
“It’s gonna be exciting,” he said. “Those young guys are really good. The team in general is good. And the most successful teams that I’ve had or played with especially under Chot, the big thing is having character, being professional, no egos. And looking at the team right now, there are no egos. Guys really wanna work, guys wanna learn, and the guys wanna be there.
“I think when you have that sort of environment, the atmosphere in a team, you can really do anything. You can work on skills, but it’s hard to adjust a person’s character if they have an ego trip. I’m excited. I’m looking forward to watching Poy [Erram] continue to grow as a player; Kib [Montalbo], he’s amazing; and then now having Glenn Khobuntin, he’s always been tough to play against.
“These are the bunch of guys that just wanna work and play. That’s always exciting,” Williams closed.
