By REYNALD MAGALLON
William Navarro’s move to the Korean Basketball League has now been formalized with his team Busan KCC Egis announcing their acquisition of the versatile wingman from Magnolia on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Navarro has long been rumored to be on his way out of the Hotshots after entertaining offers from the KBL teams which had already tried tapping his services even before he played in the PBA.
The 6-foot-6 versatile forward was supposed to play with Seoul Samsung Thunders in 2022 as their Asian import but the plan did not push through owing to Navarro’s contractual obligations with Gilas Pilipinas.
Instead, Navarro played with the NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA where he emerged as one of its versatile and budding talents along with Arvin Tolentino and Joshua Munzon.
He was traded to Magnolia in exchange for Calvin Abueva and averaged 15.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in the Philippine Cup.
Interestingly, with the move to KBL, he is set to crosspaths with former NorthPort teammate Tolentino who earlier also signed with the Seoul SK Knights.
Navarro is also joining a bevy of Filipino talents in the KBL which also included Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, SJ Belangel, Ethan Alvano, JD Cagulangan, Migs Oczon and Rhenz Abando
