FORMER Magnolia coach Chito Victolero was surprised to see William Navarro leave the team and take his act overseas.
The champion coach said the Hotshots traded for the young forward with the plan of making him a major part of the team’s young brigade that will carry the torch of the franchise in the future.
The product of Ateneo didn’t renew with Magnolia after Season 49, and instead opted to sign a contract with Busan KCC Egis in the Korean Basketball League.
READ: Victolero on Magnolia exit: 'Nagulat na parang hindi nagulat'
The Hotshots gave up veteran Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and a second round pick in next season’s draft to acquire the 28-year-old Navarro from Northport.
Victolero admitted it was a big risk he had to take in plucking Navarro out of the Northport lair as he thought he’s going to stay with the franchise in the long run.
“May thinking then ung panaho na yun I will get this guy (Navarro) for the future of the team,” Victolero revealed in the Power & Play program of former PBA Commissioner Noli Eala on Saturday.
Navarro was doing great for the Batang Pier by the time the trade was consummated, averaging 20.5 points and 10.5 rebounds during the Philippine Cup as he took over the scoring mantle for the team following the departure of top gun Arvin Tolentino.
Victolero believed that if Navarro settles with the Magnolia system right away, the 6-foot-6 forward would play a huge part in their campaign in the playoffs.
While the plan didn’t materialize, the 49-year-old coach was nonetheless confident he’ll be a valuable addition to Magnolia’s core by Season 50.
Unfortunately, he won't be suiting up for the Hotshots by that time anymore.
“My main goal lang is if I have a chance to get a 28-year-old guy who’s in his prime and very versatile, can play multiple positions, and can play with Zavier (Lucero) and Ian (Sangalang), we’ll have length and athleticism,” Victolero pointed out.
‘Yun ang nasa isip ko na if I get this guy, we’ll only need a 2-guard na puwede naming kuhanin sa draft,” he added.
“I don’t have (an idea) na hindi siya mag-i-stay. I don’t have any idea of what will happen then.”
But the acquisition of Javi Gomez De Liano in a trade with Terrafirma for Jerrick Ahanmisi was a good move for the Hotshots since it answered the team’s need in the 2-guard spot, according to Victolero.
Now Magnolia will try to fill in the void left by Navarro in his position.
The Hotshots are going to pick at no. 6 overall in the unofficial draft order for the Sept. 7 proceedings.
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