William Navarro never had any doubt that his shots would fall as he steered NorthPort to its first win of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Friday.
Long known as a do-it-all winger, the third-year pro gave a reminder that he can also light it up as he fired a career-high 31 points and five rebounds to star in their 112-93 conquest of the struggling Terrafirma in a Group A battle.
“I’m just confident,” he said during the postgame presser at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. “I know my shots are gonna go in. It’s not surprising for me.”
Navarro shot an efficient 13-of-20 from the floor, including a 3-of-5 clip from deep, in an outing where he also had five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
For the Ateneo de Manila product, such a performance is just proof of what he can do when he gets more time on the hardwood.
After playing for 20 minutes in their 101-95 loss to TNT last Tuesday, he was utilized by Coach Bonnie Tan for over 25 minutes this time.
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“When I play more – which Coach obviously gave me the opportunity – I’m gonna deliver. That’s the thing. So I just have to be on the court more,” the 6-foot-6 Navarro said. “I just need my minutes, and I know I’ll deliver.”
Navarro unloading that many points also gave the impression that NorthPort may have found yet another reliable weapon offensively aside from Arvin Tolentino, who has become their main man since arriving via trade in 2022.
The 27-year-old, though, does not look at it in that manner, for it is and will always be all about sticking to the Nirthport’s scheme of things.
“There’s no pressure. There’s no pressure, as long as we stick to the system. We just have to perform,” Navarro said.
