WILLIAMS SLOWLY GETTING HIS GROOVE BACK
Seven months of layoff is no joke, and for Kelly Williams, he is slowly getting himself used to the rigors of the PBA again.
Sidelined for the better part of last season due to a nagging blood disorder, the 2008 Most Valuable Player is now regaining his confidence which made him a force to be reckoned with during the tailend of the past decade.
“I’m still getting used to playing again, but I feel that my body is strong that I am again jumping high and running fast,” he said. “But basketball-wise, I still have a long way to go.”
In only his third game, Williams didn’t really shoot the ball well, recording seven points in a 3-of-8 shooting from the field, but contributed big on the defensive end as he collared in 11 rebounds, three of which coming from the offensive board.
“A few more games and hopefully, I’ll get my rhythm back,” Williams said.
He added, “I think I’m still at 60 percent from my old self. It’ll come. It’s more of being mentally out there, but I’ll get it.”
His coach, Norman Black, echoed his sentiments, saying, “He has been out for a long time, but he’s Kelly Williams. He’s going to get his game sooner or later.”
“He’s struggling with his shot right now, with his timing and his rhythm but that’s to be expected because he sat out for a long period of time. We’ll just give him the opportunity to get himself back in basketball shape and get the rhythm of the game again,” he added.
And time is what Talk ‘N Text just needs. Evidently struggling in the early parts of this season, the Tropang Texters believe that they shouldn’t really push the panic button this early.
“We’re just adjusting to each other. Our rookies are still trying to get the system down, with myself included,” said Williams. “We’re still kind of in a transition phase but we’ll continue to get better. We’ll be fine.” (RLeongson)
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