JAKARTA — William Navarro is staying ready for whatever comes next.
The 6-foot-5 forward said as much after the Philippines bowed out of the FIBA Asia Cup 2022 following a woeful loss to Japan in the quarter-final qualifiers.
“Basta, gagawin ko lang is work-out lang, do my best,” he said shortly after their 102-81 defeat at the Istora Senayan, Tuesday night.
“Whatever comes, ready lang ako.”
Navarro is set to take his talents to the Korean Basketball League (KBL) after signing with Seoul Samsung under the Asian player quota.
The 25-year-old is the latest to head to SoKor after fellow national team cagers SJ Belangel (Daegu KOGAS) and RJ Abarrientos (Ulsan Hyundai).
It remains unclear, however, if his move sits well with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
He was selected in the special Gilas round of the 2021 PBA Draft together with Jordan Heading, Tzaddy Rangel, and Jaydee Tungcab.
It could be remembered that Heading drew the SBP’s ire after signing with T1 team Taichung in Taiwan as he was still under contract with Gilas then.
The Fil-Aussie guard, though, was able to go on and play with the Suns after gaining clearance from FIBA despite the local federation’s protest.
(C) Taichung Suns
Then again, whatever happens, wherever he goes, Navarro is ready. And he’s bringing with him the experiences he has gained with the Philippine team.
The Greece-born cager did admit that it was tough to lose the way they did to the Akatsuki Five, but simply chooses to look at the bigger picture.
World Cup 2023, that is.
“Magandang learning experience para sa amin,” he said.
“‘Yung main goal naman talaga namin is World Cup. Although talo, we have to learn from this.”
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Catch Gilas’ games in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup live on GigaPlay. Download it now on Android or IOS.
Highlights of the games will also be on SMART Sports.
