Williams sets return; Air21 gets Cardona

KELLY Williams could be absolutely tenacious when healthy. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Kelly Williams, the former PBA MVP who had gone on retirement because of a rare blood disease, makes his return in next season’s Philippine Cup starting Nov. 17 for a Talk ‘N Text side that has been busy tweaking its lineup.

The athletic 6-foot-7 forward is in the United States and has reportedly discovered a “better medicine” for his rare ailment. He informed the coaching staff and management recently that he is ready to return to the pro league.

After bombing out of the ongoing Governors’ Cup, Talk ‘N Text has completed deals that involve Air21 and sister squad Meralco in an effort to bolster its once-formidable nucleus.

The Tropang Texters, the most dominant team of the decade, acquired former No. 1 pick Nonoy Baclao, slotman Rob Reyes and point guard Eric Salamat after dealing away Rabeh Al-Hussaini and role players Pamboy Raymundo and Bam-Bam Gamalinda.

To get the defense-minded Baclao, the Texters first gave up Al-Hussaini, sending the under-achieving former UAAP MVP to Air21 for Reyes and the Express’ 2015 second-round draft rights.

Meralco, meanwhile, took in Al-Hussaini from the Express together with Nelbert Omolon and gave up former franchise player Mac Cardona and Baclao, before the 6-foot-7 Baclao and Salamat were sent to Talk ‘N Text for Raymundo and Gamalinda.

The Texters also reshuffled team managers, with Aboy Castro given the task of handling the Gilas-Pilipinas national team program. Erstwhile Ateneo manager Paolo Trillo took Castro’s place at Talk ‘N Text.

Butch Antonio, who handles Gilas and Meralco affairs, will look after the Bolts only starting the next PBA season.

Talk ‘N Text, which won the Philippine Cup for the third straight year this season, was ousted by Barangay Ginebra in the Commissioner’s Cup’s Final Four and in the quarterfinals of the Governors’ Cup this year.