Kelly Williams’ return to don the Gilas Pilipinas jersey in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers was perhaps the most unlikely scenario that became a reality.
The 40-year-old played his first international game in more than a decade when he posted four points, four rebounds and two steals in almost 16 minutes which saw Gilas produce an 88-64 win over India last Friday, Feb. 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Williams was one of six TNT Tropang Giga players who were tapped to enter the FIBA bubble as part of the 15-player contingent for the two games which includes Sunday’s match with New Zealand.
His unexpected Gilas return came after Williams unretired last year to once again join forces with Reyes, resulting in TNT capturing the PBA Philippine Cup crown that ended the franchise’s six-year drought.
Despite his age, Williams remains one of TNT’s key players, which was why Reyes was high on placing him in the pool to provide some leadership.
“When I asked him about this, there was absolutely no hesitation on Kelly’s part,” said Reyes, who brought Williams to the country in 2005 during his first run as national team mentor.
He represented the Philippines multiple times between 2005 to 2011, including two stints in the FIBA Asia Championship and one Asian Games stint back in 2010.
His last appearance was in the 2011 Asian Championship when the original Gilas team ended its campaign in fourth place.
“I really brought Kelly over to play for the national team,” said Reyes. “I mean, his career in the PBA as a pro was just kind of a progression or a byproduct of that.
“But the main reason why we brought Kelly was really to play for the national team. So he’s just staying true to the calling, even now at his young age.”