BY now, we all know that Will Navarro is considering a return to the PBA as one of his options after a protracted stint with Busan KCC Egis in the Korean league.
A return, however, is easier said than done since the No. 2 pick overall of the Season 46 special PBA draft is covered by the three-year ban on players who signed to play in other leagues while having contract offers with their PBA mother teams.
READ Will Navarro's camp to appeal three-year PBA ban
After leaving Magnolia in August 2025 to sign with the KBL champions, Navarro's ban has two more years to run, meaning the Filipino-Greek player can only be eligible to apply for reinstatement in the PBA in Season 52 in 2028.
Navarro's camp, through his agent PJ Pilares, has since bared plans to appeal the suspension after the signing rights to the former Ateneo player were traded by Magnolia to Titan Ultra for the PBA rights of another KBL import, Arvin Tolentino.
So, any chance of the PBA ban being lifted?
Conversations with top PBA officials offer little hope for Navarro, with most in the hierarchy standing behind the strict enforcement of a rule that they feel serves as a deterrent to top talent opting to head overseas annually.
One PBA official said any pardon, if ever it comes, will require not only a discussion by the board of governors but a unanimous approval by the all-powerful body.
READ PBA hits Larry Muyang with indefinite ban for breach of contract
However, a pardon is not without precedent.
Just last year, then Phoenix big man Larry Muyang was handed an indefinite ban by the PBA Commissioner's Office for playing for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL while having an existing contract with the Fuel Masters.
Muyang, with the help of then Pampanga coach Delta Pineda, appealed the indefinite suspension before the PBA board and Phoenix. When it was lifted, the 6-6 center was traded by Phoenix to Converge where he was reunited with Pineda.
Will the same reprieve be accorded Navarro?
Let's see.
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