SIMPLE but effective.
That has been the way Will Navarro plays which makes him a valuable piece in the Gilas Pilipinas program.
The PBA special draftee of NorthPort Batang Pier once more proved his efficiency with the national team of coach Tab Baldwin after a quiet yet emphatic showing in the recent Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, Serbia.
The 24-year-old Navarro was among the reliable bigs of Baldwin in the Filipinos' games against Serbia and Dominican Republic, respectively.
The wingman product of Ateneo averaged 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 23.5 minutes in the two matches which Gilas lost.
Sponsored content: Unimpressive the numbers maybe, but Navarro definitely gets the job done as far as the intangible things are concerned.
"You don't find a lot of superstardom in the way that he plays, but you don't find weaknesses either," said Baldwin of his former Ateneo player. "I think so many players today, they have a lot of weaknesses in their game, and some of that may be covered up by the fact that they can shoot or they can score a bit.
"Will's a guy that's kind of on the opposite end of the spectrum."
Navarro initially was supposed to apply in the regular PBA draft for 2020, but was included to become a part of the special Gilas draft at the last minute.
Baldwin certainly knows the kind of player the national team will miss had Navarro went on and turned pro instead.
Sponsored content: "What you see now is a kid who, I think like most people, has a competitive streak," said the Gilas Pilipinas mentor.
Navarro was selected no. 2 overall in the last Gilas special draft behind top pick Jordan Heading of Terrafirma. (RG)
