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Former Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes was among those especially mentioned by Kelly Williams when he announced his retirement from the PBA on Monday.
Both of them, of course, go back to Reyes being the one who actually bumped into the great Fil-Am man from Detroit and convinced him to come and play for the national team.
Williams said he is “in debt” to Reyes, with whom he also played on Talk N ‘Text.
“Coach Chot, I can’t thank you enough for betting on a skinny, no-name kid from Detroit in 2005,” Williams wrote in her social media announcement about her retirement after a 14-year professional career.
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Reyes, 57, was quick to acknowledge the strong career that the 38-year-old Williams, known as ‘Machine Gun Kelly,’ had in both Asia’s top pay-play league and the Philippine team.
“You’re right, none of us knew that day in 2005 what a great career you would have,” said the multi-title mentor.
“But of one thing I was sure: I had to take you to the Philippines.”
The 6-foot-6-inch Williams played for Reyes with the national team during the 2007 FIBA Asian Men’s Championship in Tokushima, Japan, shortly after the Oakland University alumnus was named Rookie of the Year, fulfilling its high rating as the best overall. pick in the 2006 PBA draft.
Although his initial step with the Philippine team did not yield the expected result, Williams continued and made a name for himself in the professional league, winning his first championship after St. Lucia won the Philippine Cup in a tournament in which he emerged as the Best. Conference Player. At the end of the season, Kelly rose to the top by taking the honor of MVP.
But not all were a bed of roses, according to Reyes.
“Our path has not been easy, but we always take care of each other,” said the former national coach.
In 2009, Williams’ career suddenly came to a standstill after he was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder, forcing him to stay away from games for a time.
In 2010, Williams played again and reunited with Reyes when real estate agents traded him to Talk ‘N Text.
The two forged a successful partnership when the Texters won four championships in three years, including three consecutive All-Philippine crowns to become the first team in league history to claim the Jun Bernardino Perpetual Trophy.
Williams would win one more title with the franchise during the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup, but with coach Jong Uichico.
Reyes and Williams never worked together again, but the great Fil-Am man also managed to collect individual awards, such as Mythical First Team (3x), Mythical Second Team (4x), All-Star (5x), All-Defensive Team ( one time), All-Rookie Team, Comeback Player of the Year (2x) and slam dunk champion (2x).
Injuries held back Williams in the latter part of his career as well, although he remained a vital part of the TnT rotation.
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All this made Reyes convince himself that there is no regret for Kelly and especially for her mother, for the decision to seek her destiny at the PBA.
“I hope I fulfilled my end of the deal when I promised your mom you wouldn’t regret it,” Reyes told Williams.
Saying goodbye, Reyes said: “It’s time for the kids, Kels. It’s time for the next chapter. Time for you too. ”
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