Williams on way to Gilas

MANILA, Philippines - Sta. Lucia Realty main man Kelly Williams is now bound for Talk n Text and is expected to end up with the Smart Gilas team.

SLR and TnT are now working on the final details of an agreement that would pave the way for Williams’ transfer to the Smart-PLDT franchise.

Smart-PLDT top official Ricky Vargas told The STAR they’re close to sealing the deal he hoped would lead to Williams’ stint with the Pilipinas Smart Gilas team.

But even if the trade is consummated, Williams’ stint with Smart Gilas would need PBA board approval.

Sta. Lucia governor and team manager Buddy Encarnado said he has appraised his team of the situation.

“I’ve talked to the team, telling them things will happen inevitably,” said Encarnado.

“I’ve also talked to Kelly, and stressed this is the price of being good. It’s a big honor to be tapped for the RP team which is not open for everybody. It’s an honor for him and an honor for the ballclub,” Encarnado said.

Apparently, the only matter yet decided is the trade package Sta. Lucia will get in return. A reliable source said Talk n Text is working on a separate trade deal with another ball club to keep the balance of its lineup.

Talk n Text has earlier entered in a trade deal with Air21 to get Japeth Aguilar to play for Smart Gilas.

Smart-PLDT is continuing to build up Smart Gilas in preparation for the coming FIBA Asia Champions Cup and the Asian Games. The same team vies in the Asian Olympic qualifier last year.

Williams, the 2007 PBA Rookie of the Year and 2008 MVP, is among pro players on coach Rajko Toroman’s wish list.

Vargas vowed to pursue Williams as they’re committed to make Smart Gilas competitive in international jousts.

Williams, a Fil-Am player from University of Detroit-Oakland, has donned the RP jersey, playing for the team that placed ninth in the 2007 Tokushima Asian championship.

Williams was also part of coach Yeng Guiao’s original pool of players for the 2009 FIBA Asian championship. He failed to make it due to blood disorder problem.