Kelly Williams during the 2023 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers first round. –FIBA BASKETBALL
MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas has found relief for its frontline crisis in the form of Kelly Williams.
The 41-year-old veteran has been added to the 24-man talent pool, replacing Ateneo center and former UAAP Most Valuable Player Ange Kouame according to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ Sonny Barrios.
In reeling in Williams, Gilas gets a 6-foot-8 forward who can shoot the occasional triple. More importantly, the former PBA Most Valuable Player is a Reyes guy at TNT, familiar with the national coach’s tendencies and schemes.
Williams shores up a depleted frontcourt that was made even thinner by the absences of Kai Sotto and Japeth Aguilar.
Sotto has decided to skip the sixth and final window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers, while Aguilar will need about three more weeks to get back to tip-top shape following a right knee sprain.
Williams last suited up for Gilas back in the continental meet’s first round, playing against India and New Zealand.
Reyes, in an interview with reporters on Monday night, said that Gilas Pilipinas is left with very few choices for its interior: June Mar Fajardo, Raymond Almazan, and 18-year-old Mason Amos.
Almazan, the Meralco center, is also doubtful for the games against Lebanon and Jordan as they will be played a little too close to the Bolts’ games in the PBA Governors’ Cup.