JIO Jalalon and Kelly Williams swapped places as TNT upgraded its 15-man roster for its PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against Meralco on Tuesday.
Arriving from the US last week, the 6-foot-7 Williams was activated by the Tropang 5G in place of Jalalon, who was relegated to the Unrestricted Free Agent list (with rights to salary).
Previously, the team put the 44-year-old Williams under UFAWR2S while he was still overseas to pave way for the entry of mid-season recruit Justin Chua.
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Like in previous cases of TNT players in the UFAWR2S list, there’s a gentleman’s agreement between Williams and the telecommunication franchise that the former league MVP won’t be going to any other teams and sign a contract.
It’s the same thing now as with Jalalon, who just averaged seven minutes per game in the two outings he suited up for TNT this conference that saw the return of long-time captain Jayson Castro from a season-long absence after recovering from a patellar tendon tear.
Williams' activation makes TNT an even bigger team as it adds another reliable big man to play with 7'3 import Bol Bol.
Going to their 7:30 clash with the Bolts, the Tropang 5G have racked up back-to-back wins against San Miguel and NLEX after initially losing their debut game against Rain or Shine.
The match marks the first time Williams will be playing this conference after last seeing action for TNT in Game 6 of the Philippine Cup finals against San Miguel.
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