PBA: Coach Chot and his former teammates pay tribute to Machine Gun Kelly [Williams] in retirement

Former coach Chot Reyes was among those paying tribute to Kelly Williams after the 2008 PBA Most Valuable Player and two-time Returning Player of the Year announced his retirement on Monday.

Reyes is responsible for bringing Williams, who was born and raised in Detroit to an American father and a Filipino mother, to the country to try out for the national team in 2005.

Reyes and Williams finally joined forces with the national team at the 2007 FIBA ​​Asia Championship and Talk ‘N Text, where they won three PBA championships.

Williams mentioned Reyes in his extensive social media post, saying, “Coach Chot, I can’t thank you enough for placing your bet on an unnamed skinny kid from Detroit in (2005). I owe you “.

“You’re right, neither of us knew, that day in 2005, what a great race you would have,” Reyes said in response to Williams’ post. “But I was sure of one thing: I had to take you to (the Philippines).

“Our path has not been easy, but we always take care of each other. And I hope I have fulfilled my part of the deal when I promised your mother (Andrea Castro) that this will not be a move that you regret, ”added Reyes.

Williams ended up playing for the Philippines in the Jones Cup and other pocket tournaments, winning a championship with Magnolia in the defunct Philippine Basketball League before beginning his PBA career in 2006 as St. Lucia’s first overall pick.

Williams was traded alongside Ryan Reyes to TNT in 2010 to join an already talented team powered by Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Harvey Carey, Larry Fonacier, Ali Peek and Jared Dillinger.

“Thankful to have had the opportunity to go into battle together, in the PBA and the National Team… I also picked up some rings along the way. When the next chapter in life begins, always with just one call / text message. Long live my brother !! “said Alapag.

Williams and Alapag were also teammates with the national team that placed ninth overall at the 2007 FIBA ​​Asia Championship in Tokushima, Japan.

“I am sad and happy that another great player is retiring,” said Barangay Ginebra San Miguel veteran Mark Caguioa, who was also part of the 2007 Philippine team.

“I’m glad to be able to play with you on the national team. Your post with that national team jersey brought back memories. Even though we didn’t qualify, I’ve always had those great memories playing with you, “he added.