Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8) – TNT KaTropa forward and 2008 Philippine Basketball Association MVP Kelly Williams announced his retirement on Monday.
“It is with joy and sadness that I announce my retirement from basketball. I couldn’t have predicted that I would have the kind of career that I was able to experience, ”Williams, 38, said in his Instagram post.
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It is with joy and sadness that I announce my retirement from basketball. I couldn’t have predicted that I would have the kind of career that I was able to experience. Thank you Philippines for giving me a solid foundation to grow as a player and as a man over the last 15 years. Thank you PBA for giving me access to your stage for 14 seasons and the great fans who supported me during my time. I gave it my all when I put Pilipinas and my teams on my chest and I hope they felt it. Thank you SLR for giving me the freedom to be me. Coach Boyet, Boss Buddy, mgmnt, Atty Magno, Coaches, Utility, and all my teammates. It is for you that I am in my 40s of all time and I will always be grateful! Thank you TNT for extending my career. To the coaches and teammates who cheered me on over and over again. I know it was not easy. Thanks I love you guys. Wheyking Fam and Anytime Eastwood, thank you for supporting my fitness journey throughout the years! Fam & friends, your unconditional love and support gave me the strength to keep pushing, Tina, Jay (too many to say, but you know exactly who you are). Did I make you proud, Mom? I think Dad is smiling at me Uncle Jonas and Enrico thank you for looking after me, making calls, making sure I had a look at the Philippines 🙏🏼 Coach Chot, I can’t thank you enough for placing your bet on a skinny, nameless boy from Detroit in 2005. I owe you. Thank you Alex Compton for supporting me and making sure my career got off on the right foot. And all the others (too many to name) that enhanced my life or my career with the space you had within my journey. Thank you🙏🏼 to 🏀, thank you for being a safe haven for a lost child and giving my life meaning EVERY YEAR since 1991. Always grateful. I turn the last page of this chapter and I’m afraid not. I did the best I could with what I had, now I can let my career rest with peace in my heart. Now I can be closer to my children. The machine gun says goodbye. 21 gun salute 🇵🇭
A post shared by Kelly Williams (@ kxlwilliams21) on
The Oakland University standout was first spotted by veteran basketball coach Chot Reyes in 2004 while playing in a tournament in his home state of Michigan.
Williams brought his talents to the Philippines by first playing for the Magnolia team in the now-defunct Philippine Basketball League.
With his ability to jump big and brilliance on the court, Williams was selected first in the 2006 PBA Draft by St. Lucia Realtors.
In his tenure with the Buddy Encarnado-managed franchise, Williams earned several accolades, including Rookie of the Year, All Rookie Team Member, Defensive Team Member, Conference Best Player and his only MVP award. He also won a title with the Realtors during his MVP season in the 2007-08 PBA Philippine Cup.
In 2010, Williams along with Ryan Reyes and Charles Waters were traded to the Talk N ‘Text franchise. He won five championships with the Manny Pangilinan-owned franchise.
Williams is also a five-time All-Star, a two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, a three-time member of the Mythical First Team, and a four-time member of the Mythical Second Team.
He also dressed in the national team, having played in the 2007 and 2011 FIBA Asia Championships.
In 2009, Williams was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, a rare blood disorder.
“I turn the last page of this chapter and I’m afraid not. I did the best I could with what I had, now I can rest my career with peace in my heart, “he added.
