Chot Reyes not replacing Kelly Williams in national team lineup

KELLY Williams (left) INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Smart Gilas Pilipinas lost a key component in Talk ‘N Text’s Kelly Williams, who left for the United States to seek treatment for a recurring illness.

So vital, that national team head coach Chot Reyes believes no one in the Philippine Basketball Association can fill the void left by the 2008 most valuable player.

“The loss of Kelly is very, very big and I don’t think anyone in the PBA can take his place,” said Reyes.

Reyes, who coached Williams during his time with the Tropang Texters, also has no plans of bringing in someone else to play Williams’ niche.

“We’re not thinking of replacing Kelly in the lineup, we’re not thinking of adding anyone to the lineup because it’s just going to be unfair for those who have been here from the start,” he said. “That’s not to say the 16 are final but there’s still a tournament on going, we’ll never know what’s going to happen, knock on wood wala namang masaktan.”

“But right now if you’d take a look at the lineup, it’s very clear that with Kelly out in our depth chart who’s a tall and athletic guy who has a bigger shot because Kelly is not there. Right now hindi na namin pinag-iisipan na palitan.”