AGELESS VETS NOT SLOWING DOWN

MANILA, Philippines — TNT’s Kelly Williams and San Miguel Beer’s Chris Ross are both in their 40s but from the way they performed in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, it looks like the ageless warriors will play a major role in the Last Dance starting at the Ynares Center Antipolo tonight.

Williams, 43, is averaging 8.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 24:09 minutes this conference, shooting .384 from three and 80 percent from the line. In the semis against Meralco, the Machine Gun shot .450 from three and 90 percent from the stripe while logging 24:53 minutes a game. His three-point and free throw percentages are career-highs.

Now on his 18th season, Williams has played on 10 championship teams, five in the Philippine Cup. The 2008 MVP started in 12 of 17 games this conference and came off the bench in the last two semifinal outings to give way to Poy Erram. Coach Chot Reyes’ frontline rotation of Erram, Williams and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser will be a test for San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo, Mo Tautuaa and Rodney Brondial.

Ross, 40, won Finals MVP honors twice in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 Philippine Cups. He’s played on 11 title squads, seven in the Philippine Cup. This conference, Ross is averaging 3.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 21:03 minutes. In the semis, he bumped up his numbers to 7.5 points, four rebounds, five assists and 26:38 minutes. Ross averaged 12.3 points in his last three semis outings, getting himself ready for another Finals appearance on his 16th season.

Experience is the best guide in the Finals where players are thrown in the pressure cooker. Williams and Ross are veterans who know what it’s like to deliver when the stakes are highest. They’ll be called on for sure to provide poise and stability when it’s winning time.

2026-01-20T16:31:37Z