KELLY Williams was one of the three remnants of the 2011 Talk ‘N Text squad which also fell short of joining a very exclusive group of PBA Grand Slam winners.
Fourteen years later and missing out on another Grand Slam, the stinging pain of losses and what-ifs still hit the same for the ever-reliable big man.
“It’s right up there with that. It’s very difficult. It was just as hard losing it as it was then. It’s difficult,” he said after the Tropang 5G's 107-96 loss to San Miguel in Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals.
READ: SMB reclaims PBA Philippine Cup title, denies TNT a grand slam
But while they won’t be elevating themselves among PBA immortals this season, Williams is proud knowing they’ve already achieved something pretty special this season – win back-to-back titles in this highly-competitive atmosphere.
The last time a team won two titles in one season was in 2019 when the Beermen took home the Philippine and Commissioner’s Cup crowns before dropping their own Grand Slam bid against Barangay Ginebra in the Governors’ Cup.
“What we did this season, I don’t know if it’s gonna be replicated any time soon,” he said.
“The amount of games and the amount of teams with talent that we’ve had to go through to get to this point, this is a special group. We came up short, but I’m super proud of the guys.”
Williams once again had a solid night personally, finishing with 17 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 36 minutes of action.
But the amount of talent and depth that San Miguel had at its disposal was just simply too much for banged-up TNT to overcome.
“In the end, you’re facing a team like San Miguel, you have to be at full-force. I’m proud of our guys, despite all the injuries and setbacks that we’ve sustained, we were able to compete at least in this finals series,” the veteran big man said.
“I can’t say enough about those guys. And the coaching staff, preparing us. We just didn’t have enough fuel and manpower in the end. I’m proud of our guys for fighting until the end.”
Is Season 50 Kelly’s last?
With the finals now over, Williams has time to heal his ankle which he sprained in Game 4 of the Rain or Shine semifinals series.
Obviously still bothered by that ankle with the way he gingerly walks after games, Williams is excited to come out and play healthier by Season 50.
“It’s not good and that was very frustrating in this series," he said when asked about how his ankle held up. "It is what it is, there's nothing you can really do about it at this point. But now I can rest, we can rest the guys who are hurting and we look forward to the next conference."
It’s a season that could be Williams’ last.
“Come what may, I’ll give what I can give if it’s my last season, I’ll be able to leave with my head high and I’m just grateful to be a part of this team and this organization,” he said, while confirming that at this point of his career, retirement is always on the table.
“I guess, it’s always a consideration. I’m 43. Regardless of what happens, I think I have broken the mold for what’s expected from guys my age and what they can do, at least I hope that’s the case.”
While there’s uncertainty regarding his future after next season, one thing’s for sure – he’s still confident he can play at a high level for the Tropang 5G.
“I’m under contract for all of Season 50 and I’m just gonna show up and do what I do. Be here for the team, keep my standards high, and take it from there,” he said.
“Next season I’m gonna show up, do what I do. We’ll re-assess when the time comes.”
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