William Navarro likes the potential he sees after NorthPort finally played as a complete unit in its PBA Season 48 Philippines Cup debut, Friday night.
The Batang Pier did lose to NLEX in overtime, but displayed noticeable progress.
That included their much-improved size and depth following not only the sophomore forward’s return, but the arrival of 2023 fifth overall pick Zavier Lucero as well.
“Malaki ‘yung potential sa nakikita ko,” he said moments after their 107-100 loss at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. “We’re tall, tsaka nakakatakbo kami lahat.
“We were first sa transition offense noong last conference. Kayang umabot ‘to ng Finals para sa akin as long as dapat maging more sure kami sa kung anong ginagawa, sa sistema namin.”
It was Navarro’s first game back after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during their Season 47 Commissioner’s Cup quarters loss to eventual champions Barangay Ginebra back on December 10, 2022.
The 6-foot-6 winger hardly missed a beat, finishing with 12 points on 50-percent shooting alongside 13 rebounds, an assist, and two blocks.
Serving as another welcome addition was Lucero, who has fully recovered from an ACL tear as well. Also standing at 6-foot-6, the UP product delivered on both ends and registered 13 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks.
NorthPort, as a whole, tallied 11 blocks and hauled down a total of 60 rebounds.
That’s why Navarro was hardly downcast despite falling short of upending the Road Warriors. The Batang Pier sent the game into overtime from a 97-93 deficit thanks to Arvin Tolentino (29 points, seven rebounds).
“I’m not sad. Actually, for the first game, tapos ganito, kumbaga laban ‘di ba? Makikita mo, may something special dito sa grupo,” said the 27-year-old.
But of course, there remains more work to be done if NorthPort is to tap into that potential that the former Gilas Pilipinas stalwart is seeing.
“Okay naman ‘yung team. More of kailangan namin mag-jel pa as a team, ‘yung connection namin sa isa’t isa, dapat mas maging pulido,” he offered.
“Kailangan aralin namin ‘yung plays, kasi hindi kami nakaka-execute masyado kanina sa game, tsaka mga box outs, daming missed box outs, daming rebounds ng NLEX kanina, which hindi dapat nangyayari ‘yun.”
