William Navarro officially signs with KBL’s Busan KCC Egis

William Navarro’s long-awaited overseas stint is finally underway.

The versatile 6-foot-6 forward has officially signed with the Busan KCC Egis, the Korean Basketball League (KBL) club announced on Tuesday, sealing a dream move years in the making.

Navarro initially inked a deal with the Seoul Samsung Thunders in 2022, but was unable to suit up due to ongoing contractual obligations with Gilas Pilipinas and complications arising from his selection in the PBA Gilas special draft. He was eventually picked second overall by NorthPort Batang Pier, effectively shelving his KBL opportunity before it could begin.

Instead of going overseas, Navarro carved out a strong career in the PBA. With NorthPort, he emerged as one of the league’s most promising young forwards, posting averages of 20.57 points, 10.57 rebounds, 1.86 assists, and 1.14 steals per game.

On May 27, NorthPort traded him to Magnolia in exchange for Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and a second-round pick in the upcoming PBA Season 51 Draft.

However, his stint with the Hotshots proved short-lived. Struggling to adapt to Chito Victolero’s system amid a transitional period for the team, Navarro played just 12 games and averaged 15.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. Despite finishing as the No. 3 seed in the Philippine Cup, Magnolia bowed out early in the quarterfinals, losing back-to-back games to TNT.

Navarro’s departure also coincides with significant changes in Magnolia’s coaching staff, with LA Tenorio recently taking over as head coach from Victolero.

Now, Navarro turns a fresh page in his basketball journey with a Busan KCC team in rebuilding mode, following a rough 18-36 finish last season. His arrival brings much-needed size, versatility, and athleticism as the Egis look to bounce back in the upcoming KBL season.

He also joins a growing list of Filipino stars taking their talents abroad. Former NorthPort teammate Arvin Tolentino has signed with the Seoul SK Knights, while Jamie Malonzo of Barangay Ginebra has moved to Japan to play for the Kyoto Hannaryz in the B.League.

For Navarro, the wait is over—and the opportunity he once lost is finally his to seize. The next chapter begins now, in Busan.