Kelly Williams announces retirement from basketball

Kelly Williams has officially hung up his sneakers.

In an Instagram post on Monday, the TNT big man announced "with gladness and sadness" his retirement from basketball.

"Thank you Philippines for giving me solid ground to grow as both a player and a man for the last 15 years," said Filipino-American player. "Thank you PBA for giving me access to your stage for 14 seasons and to the great fans who supported me during my time."

"I gave my all when I put Pilipinas and my teams on my chest and I hope you felt that," he added.

Williams was selected by Sta. Lucia Realtors first overall in the 2006 draft. He won the Rookie of the Year award.

He was traded to Talk 'N Text in 2010 and spent the rest of his career with the franchise. In 2011, he suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Championship.

Williams won six championships and bagged the Most Valuable Player trophy in 2008. He was a five-time All-Star and was hailed as one of the 40 Greatest Players in PBA history.

"I couldn't have predicted that I'd have the kind of career I was able to experience," he said. "I turn the final page of this chapter and I fear not. I did the best I could with what I had, now I can lay my career to rest with peace in my heart."

"Now I can be nearer to my sons. The Machine Gun signing off." —MGP, GMA News