‘Machine Kelly’ holsters guns for good
AFTER 14 seasons, “Machine Gun Kelly” Williams has finally announced his retirement from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
The 38-year-old power forward confirmed his retirement in a Facebook post on Monday, expressing gratitude to the league and for all the people who became part of his professional basketball career for 14 years.
“It’s with gladness and sadness that I announce my retirement from basketball. I could not have predicted that I’d have the kind of career I was able to experience,” said the 6’6” Williams, who was the league’s Most Valuable Player winner in the 2008 season.
“Thank you, Philippines, for giving me solid ground to grow as both a player and a man for the last 14 years,” added the TNT KaTropa player.
Ricky Vargas, TNT team governor and PBA chairman, expressed his well-wishes to Williams.
“I respect Kelly’s decision to retire and thank him for all he has done for TNT. I wish you well, Kelly, all the very best,” said the team governor.
In the 2006 rookie draft, Williams was the league’s top overall pick by the defunt Sta. Lucia Realty squad, coached by rookie mentor Boyet Fernandez and bannered by veterans Dennis Espino, Paolo Mendoza and Marlou Aquino, among others.
After winning the 2007 Rookie of the Year award, Williams led Sta. Lucia Realty to capture the Philippine Cup crown in 2008 before being traded to TNT KaTropa along with Ryan Reyes on May 2010, merely a few months after Meralco bought the Realtors.
Williams won five more championships for TNT and represented the country in numerous basketball competitions.
He was PBA Press Corps Comeback Player of the Year in 2010 and 2016, part of PBA All-Star Selections for five years, slam dunk contest winner in 2008 and 2011, part of the PBA Mythical First Team Selections for three times and a member of the All-Defensive Team.
After playing college ball for Oakland University in Michigan, US, Williams racked up a Philippine basketball career average of 10.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists, according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon 3rd.