Former Magnolia forward William Navarro has signed with KBL team Busan KCC Egis.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—After weeks of speculation, William Navarro has left the Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA to play for KCC Egis in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
On Tuesday, the KBL team announced that Navarro has signed with the squad for the 2025-26 season, officially confirming previous reports of his departure from the Hotshots.
READ: PBA: William Navarro ‘still adjusting’ in Magnolia debut loss
“We ask for lots of support and encouragement for William Navarro, who is making a new start at KCC Egis,” wrote the team in an Instagram post.
Navarro only played half a conference with the Hotshots, who acquired the forward from NorthPort in exchange for Calvin Abueva and Jerrick Balanza last May.
The 28-year-old averaged a double-double of 20.5 points and 10.5 rebounds before being shipped to Magnolia in a blockbuster trade.
READ: PBA: Magnolia coach LA Tenorio getting accustomed to new team
It will be Navarro’s second time to join a KBL squad after he signed with the Seoul Samsung Thunders in 2022. The former Ateneo standout, however, was barred by Fiba from suiting up for Seoul due to having a live contract with Gilas Pilipinas at that time.
Others will have to step up for the Hotshots, who are now under the tutelage of rookie head coach LA Tenorio, in the absence of the versatile Navarro.
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