Magnolia Hotshots’ PBA star William Navarro and Busan KCC Egis officially head to South Korea.
Mr. Navarro signed for the upcoming 2025-2026 season to close a brief match against Mulan in the just-concluded 2025 PBA Philippine Cup, the bush announced Tuesday.
“Welcome, Mr. William. We have provided a lot of support and encouragement to William Navarro, who is making a new start in KCC Egis,” said the Korean Basketball League.
Mr. Navarro made his International League debut after a 2022 setback with Samsung Seoul Thunders.
The 6-foot-6-foot Ateneo distinguished subsequently signed with Seoul but made a turnaround, instead fulfilling his contractual obligations with Gilas Pilipinas and Northport, having his game rights after he picked him as the second pick in the 2021 special draft.
Mr. Navarro eventually played for Yae Pier, but suffered an ACL injury in the same year, followed by one of the team’s best players in 2023 and 2024.
The 28-year-old striker’s breakthrough performance this season, especially in the Philippine Cup, averaged 20.57 points and 10.57 rebounds, scoring 1.86 assists and 1.14 steals and eight-pointers.
Halfway through the game, though, he was traded to popular characters in exchange for a second-round pick in Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza and the PBA Season 51 draft.
Mr. Navarro has played only five games for the hot guys and in a new era of head coach La Tenorio, he will have no return in Mr. Abuweva’s trade in lieu of long-time mentor Chito Victorero.
In addition to Mulan, Mr. Navarro’s former Northport also lost key work by Arvin Tolentino, who will also bring his talents to South Korea after signing with Seoul Sknights.
The Ske Cavaliers led the regular season with 41-13 Slate 41-13 but bowed to Gilas Ace Carl Tamayo and the cuboid LG Sakers in the KBL final, while Mr. Navarro’s Busan team missed the playoffs in ninth place with a 18-36 record. – John Bryan Ulanday
