TNT turns to Kelly Williams as veteran returns to Tropang 5G lineup 

TNT’s latest roster move says a lot about where the team believes it can gain an edge this conference.

With size becoming an even bigger part of its identity, the Tropang 5G brought back veteran big man Kelly Williams to their active 15-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup matchup against Meralco, a move that further reinforces the frontcourt-heavy direction the team has started to lean into.

Williams takes the place of Jio Jalalon, who was moved to the Unrestricted Free Agent list with rights to salary, as TNT continues to fine-tune its rotation while building momentum in the early stretch of the conference.

On paper, it is a simple personnel swap.

But in context, it also reflects how TNT is shaping itself around matchups, physicality, and depth — particularly with the towering presence of 7-foot-3 import Bol Bol already altering the look of its frontline.

By activating the 6-foot-7 Williams, TNT adds another experienced and dependable interior piece to support that structure, giving the Tropang 5G more flexibility in how they manage minutes, size, and defensive cover against bigger opponents.

For Williams, the activation marks his first appearance this conference after last seeing action in Game 6 of TNT’s Philippine Cup Finals series against San Miguel.

The veteran had previously been placed under the UFAWR2S list while he was still in the United States, a procedural move that allowed TNT to create room for the arrival of mid-season recruit Justin Chua.

That arrangement, however, was never expected to signal a real separation.

As has been the case with other TNT players temporarily placed under the same list, Williams and the franchise reportedly maintain a gentleman’s agreement that he would not entertain other offers and would remain aligned with the team once circumstances allowed for his return.

Now back in the country after arriving from the US last week, Williams re-enters a TNT squad that appears to be gradually finding its rhythm after an uneven start.

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TNT added more size as it activates veteran big man Kelly Williams while classifying Jio Jalalon as an unrestricted free agent with rights to salary #PBA50

READ: https://t.co/JaYZDhr5IC pic.twitter.com/Ray1XNBrcv

— SPIN.ph (@spinph) April 7, 2026

The Tropang 5G dropped their conference opener against Rain or Shine, but have since responded with back-to-back wins over San Miguel and NLEX, restoring some early momentum heading into a matchup that could further solidify their footing in the standings.

That recent run has come while TNT continues to re-establish balance in its roster following the return of long-time captain Jayson Castro, who is back in action after missing an entire season due to a patellar tendon tear.

Castro’s return has naturally shifted the backcourt equation, and that likely played a role in Jalalon’s limited involvement this conference.

In the two games he suited up for TNT, the veteran guard averaged just seven minutes per outing, suggesting that consistent playing time may have been harder to come by in a guard rotation that has once again become more crowded.

Williams’ addition, by contrast, gives TNT something it appears more eager to prioritize at this point of the conference: veteran size, defensive stability, and another proven body capable of helping anchor the paint.

That could become particularly useful as the team continues to explore how best to maximize Bol Bol’s presence while maintaining balance across both ends of the floor.

Against Meralco, the move may not immediately dominate the box score.

But it could reveal more about the kind of team TNT wants to become this conference — one that is not just talented, but built to overwhelm with length, experience, and lineup versatility.

And with Kelly Williams back in uniform, that vision just got a little bigger.

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