Smart Gilas may clinch Williams from Sta. Lucia, PBA

Kelly Williams is a handshake away from becoming a member of Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas, or so it seems.

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Sonny Barrios yesterday said transferring Williams to the national team is possible, but Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) should make a formal request and bring it before the PBA board of governors.

“It will all depend if and they make such a request and make a formal representation to the PBA board,” said Barrios, reacting to SBP project director Rajko Toroman’s appeal to enlist the 6-foot-7 versatile forward from Sta. Lucia Realty.

“We don’t know the parameters, yet. We have yet to see what they will lay on the table.”

SBP executive director Noli Eala, a former PBA commissioner, earlier said he will try to strike a deal with other PBA executives to formally transfer Williams from the professional league to the national squad. The PBA, after all, is a member of SBP and has been very supportive to the national team program.

“Getting Williams is something the coach believes will really make us consistent,” Eala said. “This is for the national team and we will share the honor with the entire country.”

But Barrios said unless SBP presents anything solid, the possible transfer of Williams remains in balance.

“They haven’t presented anything. It’s still an idea so we prefer not to speculate,” Barrios said.

Toroman, the brain behind Iran’s journey to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, said Williams’ mental toughness and inside presence will provide Gilas the much-needed boost in the 2011 Fiba-Asia Championship where a ticket to the 2012 London Olympics is at stake. So far, Toroman is waiting for Filipino-American gunner Chris Lutz (click here for Chris Lutz' stats) and an American import to finalize his roster. Gilas team manager Frankie Lim is already in the United States to scout for an American reinforcement for possible naturalization.

Source: Julius Manicad  | The Daily Tribune