Tough start for William Navarro: Magnolia’s newest star struggles in debut loss to Barangay Ginebra

The Magnolia Hotshots recently acquired versatile forward William Navarro from the NorthPort Batang Pier in exchange for veteran Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and a second-round draft pick.

However, Navarro did not have a debut to remember for Magnolia, as his new team lost 85–81 to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, June 1. The forward was afforded only 16 minutes on the court by Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero, finishing with five points and four rebounds.

The 6-foot-6 forward admitted after the game that he is still getting used to Magnolia’s system and that it would take time for him to be fully integrated into Victolero’s tactics.

“I’m still adjusting. This is my first game with a new team, and I know this is my adjustment period. We are positive. This is a test, so it’s never going to be easy if we want to achieve something great. So it’s a test for us,” Navarro told the media after the game.

“For me, it was just another game. The only difference is, I’m with a new team, new players, and new coaches. Of course, my role is different too. I have to adjust to the coaches’ decisions,” he added.

William Navarro talks about his first game for Magnolia. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/85OGdjPzmg

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) June 1, 2025

Magnolia coach Victolero echoed Navarro’s thoughts, stating that it will take time for the player to adapt to the team’s system.

“We only had three practices with him so far, but after a few days, maybe things will run better,” Victolero said.

Once he settles in, there’s no doubt that Navarro will shine for his new team, as he is a versatile scorer as well as a capable defender and rebounder. He is currently averaging 20.6 points (fourth in the league) and 10.6 rebounds (third overall) in the Philippine Cup, and he will look to make his mark when Magnolia face the NLEX Road Warriors next on Friday, June 6, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

It will be a clash between two teams currently tied at the top of the Philippine Cup standings with a 7–3 win-loss record.

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