PBA: William Navarro ‘still adjustment’ in Magnolia Debut Loss

Manila, Philippines – Magnolia’s newest star William Navarro had not rolled out no red carpet for his first game with the hotshots in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Instead, the lake was a baptism of fire when his debut against Barangay Ginebra came in a “Manila Clasico” rivalry game on Sunday evening with the hotshots that rage, 81-85, in Araneta Coliseum.

Read: PBA: Ginebra meetings to beat Magnolia in Key Clash

William Navarro tells about his first game for Magnolia. @Inquirersports pic.twitter.com/85ogdjpzmg

– Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@melofuertesinq) June 1, 2025

“I am still adjusting. This is my first game in a new team and I know this is my adjustment period,” said Navarro, who just came to Magnolia a few days ago after he was sent by Northport in exchange for Calvin Abueva and Jerrick Balanza.

“We are positive. This is a test, so it will never be easy if we want to achieve something great, so it’s a test for us.”

Navarro still came in the schedule of things with his new team, did not play much for the hotshots, because he only logged 16 minutes to end with five points and four rebounds.

“For me it was just a different game. The only difference is, I am in a new team with new players and coaches. Of course my role is different. I have to adapt to the coaches’ decisions,” said the former Ateneo Blue Eagle.

Read: PBA: With Navarro Acquisition, Magnolia Future-proofs Roster

Even coach Chito Victolero acknowledged that Navarro, who has an average of 20.57 points and 10.57, this conference is recovering prior to the trade, is still busy picking up the hotshots system.

“We expect him to adapt, but hopefully when the Playoff will improve our chemistry with Will,” said Victolero.

“We only had three exercises with him for the time being, but after a few days things might run better,” he added.

Magnolia is opposed to Nlex in Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday. The two squadrons currently share the top position with similar 7-3 slates.