Basketball is life, even after age 40.
Sixteen-year Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) veteran Kelly Williams is not complaining about all the basketball he has been playing. In fact, at 41 years old, he feels fantastic and is ready to perform for the surging TNT Tropang Giga in the 2023 Governors’ Cup. And on Noli Eala's sports program "Power and Play," Williams shared how he’s been managing to keep up with the league's young guns.
“I definitely don’t feel 40. And I think a lot of that starts with me not thinking about ageing. But more of just keeping myself in shape, keeping myself active for a greater purpose than even just basketball.”
Obviously, the 2008 PBA MVP is in great shape physically and mentally. That doesn’t mean, however, that he’s about to ignore the physical toll of a loaded basketball schedule. TNT is in the middle of an excellent campaign in the PBA’s season-ending conference. And from March 1 to March 5, they’ll be competing internationally at the East Asia Super League (EASL) Champions Week tournament.
“For many years now, we’ve had this three-conference season, which again means if you make it to the playoffs every conference, then you’re basically going year-round. And what I’ve heard over and over again over the last 16 year is just how physically unhealthy that is to the body,” Williams said.
“Now, you throw in EASL, which is… a great experience. But when you look at it, which is how I look at it from a physical toll standpoint, it’s also another gamble,” the seven-time PBA champion added.
It’s hard to refute the points Williams made about the intense physical demands of being a PBA player. He’s been living that life for more than a decade and a half. He sure knows what he’s talking about.
“I think we as players have a very unique responsibility… And that’s how do you keep your body in elite shape. And play at a high level. And give your all every conference and not get injured,” Williams said.
From our vantage point, he’s stating facts rather than complaining. Maybe it will not fall on deaf ears.