Injured Will Navarro inks new deal, expected back by PBA season’s start

NorthPort rookie William Navarro hobbles to the bench. –PBA IMAGES

The decision to give William Navarro a fresh two-year contract despite his ongoing recovery from injury is something NorthPort doesn’t mind doing.

“It’s a bit of a gamble, but we all know that he wants to get himself back on the court and show that he can play as best as he can,” said coach Bonnie Tan in Filipino when asked of the status of the young forward who hasn’t played since December due to an ACL injury.

Navarro has been playing exceptionally well since he made his Batang Pier debut in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup with his versatility on both ends of the floor.

He averaged 14.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.0 steals in eight games with NorthPort, highlighted by a 29-point, 17-rebound effort against Converge on Nov. 20.

But that was quickly derailed last December when Navarro got hurt and had to be carried off the floor after a successful defensive play in Game 2 of their quarterfinal series with Barangay Ginebra.

Recovering well

Northport rookie William Navarro. –PBA IMAGES

He was diagnosed to miss at least 10 months, but Navarro was only put under the knife in January, meaning that the former Ateneo star’s return will be in October at the earliest, which could be just in time for the opener of the PBA’s 48th season.

“Hopefully, he can join us for the season,” said Tan, who had been in contact with the physical therapist overseeing Navarro’s recovery.

“I’ve been told that his recovery has been quick, maybe because [he’s still a young man],” said Tan. “Hopefully, there won’t be an extension with regards to his recovery period.”

As they wait for Navarro, the Batang Pier is continuing the process of filling the void left by Japan-bound Robert Bolick in the PBA On Tour.

NorthPort has won four of eight games in the exhibition series, with Arvin Tolentino, Paul Zamar and JM Calma among the team’s standout performers.

Tolentino’s clutch shots in Sunday’s win over Terrafirma raised expectations that he could be tapped to be NorthPort’s main man in lieu of Bolick.

“Right now, we’re still looking for a consistent scorer,” Tan said. “Arvin has the potential to replace Robert, but we’re challenging other players to step up on offense and not rely on one or two players.”