TnT surprised by Kelly Williams retirement, but respects decision

TNT management admitted they did not see the surprising retirement of former PBA Most Valuable Player Kelly Williams coming.

Team manager Gabby Cui said the Katropa were as shocked as everyone else when the 38-year-old Williams announced on Monday via his social media platforms that he is finally calling it a career.

Still, Cui said the 6-foot-6 veteran will always have the support of the franchise.

“It was unexpected, but we respect his decision,” Cui said in a brief message from the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna, where TnT is on the last day of its two-week training bubble.

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The TnT official said Katropa views Williams as a key player in their rotation this season and that management signed him to a contract extension until the end of the year along with youngsters Samboy De Leon and Almond Vosotros.

“Yes, it is extended,” Cui said.

However, Williams was not with the Inspire Sports Academy team, although the TnT team manager did not mention the reason behind this.

But the franchise will always be grateful to the great Fil-Am man, who played the last 10 of his 14-season PBA career with Katropa, winning five championships along the way.

“We would like to thank Kelly for all that she has done for TnT Katropa,” said Cui.

In his retirement message, Kelly, the 2008 MVP, made a special mention of TnT Katropa, and thanked the MVP Group’s flagship franchise for extending his career.

“To the coaches and teammates who cheered me on over and over again, I know it wasn’t easy. Thank you. I love you guys,” Williams said.