PBA: William Navarro confident he can deliver with more minutes

Northport Batang Pier’s William Navarro in the PBA Governors’ Cup game against Terrafirma. He scored a career best 31 points on Friday.  –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Northport’s William Navarro looked calm, cool and collected in the Batang Pier’s first win in Group A of the PBA Governors’ Cup tournament.

Navarro showed his nerves of steel after dropping a new career-high of 31 points with five rebounds, two assists and two steals to match in Northport’s 112-93 drubbing of Terrafirma at Araneta Coliseum on Friday.

“There’s no pressure. As long as we stick to the system, we just have to perform,” said Navarro.

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“I’m just confident. I knew my shots were going in, it’s not surprising for me. Obviously, when I play more, I’m going to deliver. That’s the thing.”

Navarro’s game-high scoring output was his highest since his showing in last year’s  PBACommissioner’s Cup where the Batang Pier beat Converge, 112-97. The Ateneo scored 19 points as a rookie.

Coach Bonnie Tan was delighted by Navarro’s stellar showing for Northport, which had to overcome a cold shooting night from main gunner Arvin Tolentino, who only scored 10 points.

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“At least we saw that if he follows the game plan, he can contribute like this in the game,” said the coach.

Navarro was quick to credit Tan for giving him more minutes than usual to give Northport its first win of the import-laden conference.

“I want to thank coach Bonnie because he gave me an opportunity and more minutes.”