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‘I just miss them so much. It’s always hard being away from them,’ says TNT veteran Kelly Williams as he wins another championship with the Tropang Giga while being away from his two sons
MANILA, Philippines – Most of the TNT Tropang Giga players celebrated their title romp in the PBA Governors’ Cup with their loved ones.
Veteran guard Jayson Castro received his Finals MVP trophy — the third of his career — with his wife and two daughters by his side, while big man Poy Erram sat on the court and played with confetti with his three children.
Kelly Williams, though, exited the Araneta Coliseum on his own.
As ecstatic as Williams is after winning his ninth PBA championship, he could not help but be poignant about his two sons missing another milestone in his career.
Williams’ sons, 14-year-old Charlie and 12-year-old Roman, reside in the United States.
“This year has been particularly tough. I really wanted my sons to be here, watch this finals,” Williams said after TNT closed out Barangay Ginebra in the best-of-seven finals with a 95-85 win in Game 6 on Friday, November 8.
“I don’t want to say it’s bittersweet but seeing everyone with their families and their kids, obviously I’m so happy for my teammates and I want to see them win, but the other side of me is, ‘Damn, I wish my sons were here.’”
“I just miss them so much. It’s always hard being away from them.”
Aside from being away from his family, the 42-year-old Williams endured other setbacks, including injuries that derailed his campaign.
The former PBA MVP sustained a calf injury in the semifinals, but he came back and played a key role for coach Chot Reyes in the championship series as the Tropang Giga defended their Governors’ Cup crown.
With the series tied at 2-2, Williams delivered 11 points and 3 rebounds in their 99-72 Game 5 victory, redeeming himself after averaging just 1.8 points in the first four games.
He then finished with 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in Game 6.
“Off the court, on the court, had some injuries, a lot of setbacks, but my teammates really just picked me up,” said Williams.
“Coach Chot and the rest of the staff and the organization really stood behind me and believed in me and trusted me. Personally, this is one of my top championship experiences.” – Rappler.com
