William Navarro’s overseas dream comes true.
The versatile 6-foot-6 forward has officially left Magnolia to sign with Busan KCC, the Egis announced on Tuesday.
Navarro, a product of the Ateneo Blue Eagles program and a former Gilas Pilipinas standout under coach Tab Baldwin in 2021, was selected second overall by NorthPort in the Gilas special round of the 2021 PBA Draft.
At the time, he had an existing agreement with Seoul Samsung in the KBL, but his transfer certificate was withheld due to his PBA draft selection.
Despite the early setback, Navarro flourished in his four-year stint with NorthPort, establishing himself as one of the league’s top young forwards.
Before being traded to Magnolia on May 27 this year, he was averaging 20.57 points, 10.57 rebounds, 1.86 assists, and 1.14 steals per game.
He was sent to the Hotshots in exchange for Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and a second-round pick in the upcoming PBA Season 51 Draft.
However, Navarro struggled to find his footing in Magnolia’s system under head coach Chito Victolero, with limited time to adjust before making the move overseas.
Now, he joins a Busan KCC squad aiming to rebuild after a dismal 18-36 record last season.
Navarro’s signing is part of a wave of high-profile transfers this offseason to either the KBL or the B.League.
Former NorthPort forward Arvin Tolentino also signed with Seoul SK, while Ginebra’s Jamie Malonzo took his talents to Kyoto.
