The Ateneo Blue Eagles adds to its nest by adding a highly-touted prospect
Swingman William Navarro, one of nine rookies in San Beda College’s line-up last season, is set to transfer to the Ateneo de Manila University this January to join the Blue Eagles.
“I already met with coach Tab [Baldwin] and the coaching staff,” said the 19-year-old. “They are very kind and welcoming po.
“Coach Tab is one of the reasons why I’m going to Ateneo.”
Navarro played sparingly during the Red Lions’ championship run last season, playing in 18 games but totaling just 83 minutes of court time. San Beda sported a deep backcourt in its NCAA Season 92 campaign with Davon Potts, Robert Bolick, AC Soberano, Joe Presbitero, and Calvin Oftana all playing the same position as him.
The 6-foot-5 guard/forward, who grew up in Greece, showed great potential back in the 2016 Filoil Premier Cup. In a pre-season game against the Letran Knights, he scored eight points in a span of just one minute, finishing the game with 15 points in eight minutes of action.
Prior to returning to the Philippines, he was part of the junior squad of Greek club team Panathinaikos. Navarro, who has a lightning-quick release, then spent two years training in San Beda under the tutelage of renowned deadeye shooter Renren Ritualo before being elevated to the Red Lions.
San Beda team manager Jude Roque, on behalf of the community, is wishing Navarro all the best in his new journey.
“William is a nice kid with a bright future in basketball.
“He will learn a lot from coach Tab and we wish him nothing but the best,” Roque said.
Navarro will spend a year in residency before being eligible to play for the Blue Eagles come the 81st season of the UAAP. He can still play a maximum of four years in the league.
