William Navarro ‘nonetheless adjusting’ in Magnolia debut loss

Magnolia ahead William Navarro goes for a layup throughout a sport in opposition to Ginebra within the PBA Philippine Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia’s latest star William Navarro didn’t have a pink carpet rolled out for his first sport with the Hotshots within the PBA Philippine Cup.

As an alternative, it was extra of a baptism of fireside as his debut got here in opposition to Barangay Ginebra in a “Manila Clasico” rivalry sport Sunday night time with the Hotshots falling brief, 81-85, at Araneta Coliseum.

READ: PBA: Ginebra rallies to beat Magnolia in key conflict

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

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

“I’m nonetheless adjusting. That is my first sport in a brand new crew and I do know that is my adjustment interval,” stated Navarro, who simply joined Magnolia a number of days in the past after being shipped by NorthPort in alternate for Calvin Abueva and Jerrick Balanza.

“We’re constructive. This can be a take a look at so it’s by no means going to be simple if we need to obtain one thing nice, so it’s a take a look at for us.”

Nonetheless stepping into the scheme of issues together with his new crew, Navarro didn’t play a lot for the Hotshots as he logged simply 16 minutes to complete with 5 factors and 4 rebounds.

“For me, it was simply one other sport. The one distinction is, I’m in a brand new crew with new gamers and coaches. In fact, my position is completely different too. I’ve to regulate with the coaches’ choices,” stated the previous Ateneo Blue Eagle.

READ: PBA: With Navarro acquisition, Magnolia future-proofs roster

Even coach Chito Victolero acknowledged that Navarro, who’s averaging 20.57 factors and 10.57 rebounds this convention previous to the commerce, remains to be within the strategy of determining the Hotshots’ system.

“We anticipate him to be adjusting however hopefully, when the playoff begins our chemistry with Will will enhance,” stated Victolero.

“We solely had three practices with him for now however after a number of days, possibly issues will run higher,” he added.

Magnolia faces NLEX on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The 2 squads at present share the highest spot with comparable 7-3 slates.