Smart 5 keen on enlisting Williams

MANILA, Philippines - Smart-PLDT yesterday vowed to pursue its plan to tap Kelly Williams for Smart Gilas as Sta. Lucia expressed willingness to release its star player to the RP training team provided it is properly compensated.

Ricky Vargas, vice president of Smart-PLDT and vice chairman of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, said they would certainly approach Sta. Lucia top official Buddy Encarnado to discuss the matter.

“First of all, we really like Kelly to play for Smart Gilas. If that’s (Sta. Lucia-Talk n Text trade involving Williams) the only way for Kelly to play for Smart, then we would grab the opportunity. We thank Buddy (Encarnado) for that,” said Vargas in an interview with NBN Sports.

“There’s no official talk yet. But with Buddy’s statement, I will immediately call him, thank him and seek a meeting. We will not let this opportunity get away,” Vargas added.

On Sunday, Encarnado told The STAR they would let Williams join Smart Gilas if their own need is satisfied.

Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman is keen on having Williams in his roster especially with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas having a hard time looking for a naturalized player.

Toroman and his chargers are now in deep preparation for the coming FIBA Asia Champions Cup and the Asian Games. The same team would vie in the Asian Olympic qualifier next year.

“Kelly Williams is a marquee player. They have to understand that our team would be jeopardized if we give him up without anything in return,” said Encarnado.

“We’re amenable if we’re compensated. How? I don’t know. They have to think of ways dahil nanahimik kami,” Encarnado added.

Encarnado hinted at a trade between Sta. Lucia and Talk n Text, and that’s something Vargas wants to explore.

“That’s a good offer and Talk n Text is willing to do that. But, of course, it requires board action and for the commissioner to favor such action,” said Vargas.

“Coach Rajko is not only after Kelly. He also wants Jarred (Dillinger) from our team. So this would really be a board policy decision,” Vargas added.

The affable Smart-PLDT official said they could offer their big men (Ali Peek and Nic Belasco) in exchange for Williams.

“I don’t want to second guess Buddy. He knows better, but I think they need big men,” said Vargas discounting the possibility of giving away Jimmy Alapag, Macmac Cardona, Jason Castro and Harvey Carey.

Vargas stressed they would pursue a trade as they’re committed to do everything to make Smart Gilas a competitive team.

“Our chairman Mr. Manny Pangilinan is committed to this. That’s why the Smart Gilas team has become the most traveled group of players. We’re being patient. We’re taking time and taking risk,” Vargas said.