Kelly Williams shows 'positive signs' in 1st game for Realtors

source: gmanews.tv

After a four-month absence, Kelly Williams finally played his first game for Sta. Lucia.

In a rare appearance, the high-flying forward suited up in an exhibition contest between the Realtors and the Purefoods Giants in Roxas City last Saturday, drawing positive observations over his recovery from a blood disorder and boosting team confidence that he will be in tip-top shape when the 35th PBA season begins Oct. 11.

“Maayos naman ang laro niya," said Realtors’ coach Boyet Fernandez of Williams, the 2007-08 MVP who missed the second half of last season’s Fiesta Conference after being diagnosed with a rare blood disease.

“Hindi pa fully 100 percent, but it’s so nice to see him back on the court, doing what he does best," Fernandez said.

The electrifying forward was found to have contracted immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) last May – a blood disorder where blood platelet counts dramatically rise - while being part of the Philippine team during the All-Stars break. At one point, Williams’ platelet count reached 245,000 from 7,000, according to SLR governor Buddy Encarnado.

He never saw action since then – most especially as a key member of the RP team that tried to secure a World Championship slot in Tianjin, China this month - but has slowly been getting better after a series of steroids’ and anti-bodies’ treatments.

Fernandez, though, isn’t expecting too much, too soon from Williams’ recovery. All he desires right now is for his main man to get in shape one step at a time.

“Alalay lang muna, tutal matagal pa naman ang (PBA) opening," said Fernandez.

But if ever Williams does get in tip-top form in time for the league’s most prestigious tournament, Sta. Lucia will likely be regarded as a dark-horse ball club seeking to reclaim the crown it won against Purefoods in 2007-08.

“I’m coming back and nobody can stop me," the 6-foot-7 Williams, who has reportedly been given a fresh three-year contract with maximum salary, said in the team’s official website. “I miss the games and I’m very excited to play again."