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AFTER 14 seasons, “Machine Gun Kelly” Williams finally announced his retirement from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
The 38-year-old power forward confirmed his retirement in a Facebook post on Monday, expressing his gratitude to the league and to all the people who became a part of his professional basketball career for 14 years.
“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, ”said 6’6” Williams, who was the league’s MVP of the 2008 season.
“Thank you Philippines for giving me a solid foundation to grow as a player and as a man over the past 14 years,” added TNT player KaTropa.
Ricky Vargas, governor of the TNT team and president of the PBA, expressed his best wishes to Williams.
“I respect Kelly’s decision to retire and thank him for all he has done for TNT. I wish you the best Kelly, all the best, ”said the team’s governor.
In the 2006 rookie draft, Williams was the league’s first overall pick by Sta. Lucia Realty’s team, coached by rookie mentor Boyet Fernandez and flagged by veterans Dennis Espino, Paolo Mendoza and Marlou Aquino, among others.
After winning the 2007 Rookie of the Year award, Williams led Sta. Lucia Realty to capture the Philippine Cup crown in 2008 before being traded to TNT KaTropa along with Ryan Reyes in May 2010, just a few months after Meralco to buy Realtors.
Williams won five more championships for TNT and represented the country in numerous basketball competitions.
He was PBA Press Corps Comeback Player of the Year in 2010 and 2016, part of the PBA All-Star Picks for five years, winner of the dunk contest in 2008 and 2011, part of the PBA Mythical First Team Picks three times and member of the All Defensive Team.
After playing college ball for Oakland University in Michigan, USA, Williams amassed a Filipino basketball career average of 10.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists, according to the chief statistician for the PBA Fidel Mangonon 3rd.
