Ten days after suffering concussion-like symptons, Will Navarro returned to Ateneo when it took on University of the Philippines, Wednesday.
And it was as if he never left. Navarro’s vision was perfect, going 6-of-6 from the field for 13 points alongside a game-high efficiency rating of plus-22.
“Wala, ‘di ko naman inexpect. Wala naman akong ginawang special. Ginawa ko lang ‘yung mga pinapagawa — basic stuff, mga principles namin,” said the soft-spoken 22-year-old utility forward after Ateneo’s 86-64 triumph.
“Buti na lang maganda ‘yung result.”
Many were worried about how Navarro, especially after that hit from Nick Abanto. During the game against UE, he reportedly experienced dizziness while forgetting everything that happened during the contest.
Still, all he needed to recover was a good rest.
“Nag-rest lang ako. ‘Yun lang naman ‘yung advice ng doctor.”
But Navarro could not miss the chance to make history with Ateneo. Together with his brothers-in-arms, the Blue Eagles tore apart the Fighting Maroons en route to the first elims sweep in the league in 12 years.
Though satisfying, the work isn’t over for Navarro and Ateneo.
“Nakaka-proud, honestly. Siyempre ‘di namin naisip ‘to kasi ‘yung mentality lang talaga namin ay one game at a time. Sobrang happy, pero ‘di kami satisfied. Panalo, pero focused kami sa goal na championship,” said Navarro, who is looking to win his second UAAP gold medal.
“‘Yun naman talaga ‘yung goal namin. ‘Di naman ‘yung sweep — championship talaga.”
