Kelly will be on loan to RP five

MANILA, Philippines - Smart-PLDT top official Ricky Vargas stressed yesterday Kelly Williams’ status would be different from that of Japeth Aguilar.

Vargas said Williams would play for Talk n Text and would be loaned to Smart Gilas only on short-term basis, unlike Aguilar who is committed to be with the RP developmental team at least until after the 2011 FIBA Asia Olympic qualifier.

“Talk n Text would be Kelly’s priority,” Vargas told The STAR.

“But there’s no question we will loan him to Smart Gilas. There’s no problem there since we’re only one company,” Vargas added.

Vargas is confident they would get the PBA board’s approval on loaning Williams to the RP team.

“I’m sure they will support us. In the first place, it’s not the league that will be affected. It’s only our team. And I don’t think there would be conflict in schedules,” said Vargas.

The Smart-PLDT official said Williams’ transfer from Sta. Lucia to Talk n Text will happen in the next few days.

Vargas said they’re now finalizing the trade deal that, source said, will involve another team.

“I won’t deny that because it’s highly possible,” said Vargas.

The STAR source said it would go throughg a three-way trade deal among Sta. Lucia, Talk n Text and Barako Bull.

Vargas said Jarred Dillinger is another Talk n Text player being eyed by coach Rajko Toroman for Smart Gilas.

“We can loan them to Smart Gilas since they would play in international events which last only a week,” Vargas said.