Williams strong pick for RP 5

MANILA, Philippines - Should Smart Gilas Pilipinas coach Rajko Toroman have a chance to pick a player from the pros, the Serbian would readily take in Filipino-American Kelly Williams.

Toroman said the high-leaping Williams, a former PBA MVP who plays for Sta. Lucia Realty, would help fill the need for a tough defensive player and additional inside threat against the taller, heftier teams in Asia.

“Kelly Williams is in my wish list and I would choose him if given a chance because we will need his rebounding and inside presence,’’ said Toroman, who recently steered Smart Gilas to a strong third place finish in the import-laced 21st Dubai Invitational.

“He will be good for us in the FIBA-Asia Championship,” he added.

Noli Eala, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director, has called on the PBA to at least lend Williams for important tournaments like the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China this year and the FIBA-Asia Championship next year.

The FIBA-Asia Championship will stake one slot to the 2012 London Olympics.

“If it’s the wish of coach Rajko, we’ll work on it. This early, I’m already appealing to Sta. Lucia and PBA to help Smart Gilas,” said Eala, a former PBA commissioner.

Composed of the country’s finest collegiate players and a few Fil-Ams, Smart Gilas is tasked with the single goal of snaring the country’s first Olympic berth since the 1972 Munich Games.

Aside from Williams, Toroman is also expecting the arrival of Fil-foreigner Chris Lutz next month after the end of the US NCAA season. 

 “Getting him (Williams) is something coach Toroman believes can really make us consistent and tougher,’’ said Eala.

“There is no turf war here. This is the national team and we will share the honor with the entire country,’’ added Eala. “The PBA is a big part of the program and we hope the league can consider our desire to have Kelly.”

Eala hopes the PBA would give way.

Lim left for Los Angeles yesterday on a 12-day trip to find a replacement for Jamal Sampson, who was dropped from the roster after a disappointing stint in Dubai. Toroman will join him next week.