Kelly Williams grateful for Gilas inclusion at 41: ‘It’s nice to be appreciated’

TNT veteran Kelly Williams is included in the latest Gilas Pilipinas roster. – PBA PICTURES

MANILA, Philippines–Kelly Williams was honored to enter the Gilas Pilipinas pool as they were without key forwards for the sixth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers this month.

“[Gilas coach] Chot [Reyes] know that I’m always ready for them if they need me,” Williams said after helping TNT Tropang Giga beat Blackwater Bossing 138-116 in the PBA Governor’s Cup on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The 41-year-old was brought back to suit the national team for the home games against Lebanon and Jordan at the Philippine Arena after Japeth Aguilar and naturalized player Ange Kouame were ruled out due to injury.

Williams is also included to fill the void left by Kai Sotto, who decided to opt out of the final phase of the qualifying stage.

“With Japeth, Kai and Big Ange out, the coaches are kind of scrambling,” Williams continued before downplaying the chance. “Let’s see what happens. But now, it’s just a swimming pool. We will see what happens every day.

Last year, Williams participated in the second window of qualifying, Gilas’ first assignment in a major competition since the 2011 Fiba Asia Championship in Wuhan, China.

But considered again, even if the chances are slim, enough for Williams to feel gratified.

“I’m grateful that my talent and abilities are appreciated,” he said. “Since I’ve been here, a lot of emphasis has been placed on the age of players even though it’s very effective.

“I have seen it repeatedly in the last few decades. To be respected at 41 and obviously still be able to play at a high level, for me personally, it is nice to be respected. But as I said, we will see what happens.

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