Arrival of Racela, Williams’ hot start not a coincidence

MANILA, Philippines – Kelly Williams has been off to a solid start in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup. Entering TNT’s game against Phoenix on Friday, December 16, the former league MVP was averaging 10 points on 50% shooting and 4.3 boards a game, numbers better than what he put up last season.

Those averages should only increase after the 34-year-old put up 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting and 10 boards against the Fuel Masters, helping his team win for the third time in 5 games.

According to the Oakland University standout, having a new head coach – who’s actually a familiar face – has helped make that happen.

“I think a lot of it has to do with Coach Nash [Racela] knowing me as a player. I’ve been with him since 2010. He’s just really putting me in a position to play my game and contribute the best way that he knows I can. A lot of it is that,” said Williams.

Racela, a former longtime TNT assistant coach, was given the head coaching job prior to the season opening. Before becoming a head coach in the PBA, Racela had a successful 4-year run in the UAAP with the FEU Tamaraws, including a won title in 2015.

“I was excited when we knew he would be our head coach because he was with us during the Chot Reyes era,” said Williams, whose team is aiming for its first PBA title since the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup.

“He knows that system – that’s his system that he runs as well with FEU – on top of the fact that he knows majority of the guys’ games.”

Reyes also complimented one of Racela’s deputies in Josh Reyes, another long-time assistant with TNT. According to the 10-year veteran, TNT has faith in the decision-making of its coaching staff.

“He’s (Racela) been around since 2010 and so on, so I think him and Coach Josh are going to maximize us as players. We can trust that whoever’s out there is for the best of the team.”

Williams also deserves individual credit for his noteworthy play. Looking and playing in good shape, the former first overall pick is glad to see the results of his sacrifice coming to fruition.

“For the last couple of years I’ve put emphasis on health, eating right, trying to get my body and my mind strong, so I’m starting to see the fruits of it.” – Rappler.com