Batang Gilas alum Lorenzo Navarro moves to next phase

 

MANILA, Philippines – The difference between high school and college basketball in the Philippines is significant. Just because one was a star in HS, it doesn’t guarantee the same course will follow in the next level. In the UAAP and NCAA, there’s a thin line between being a key rotation piece or someone who’s buried at the end of the bench. 

San Sebastian high school standout Lorenzo Navarro knows this. During his time with the Staglets in the Jr. NCAA, he became a star who was good enough to make the Batang Gilas national team. He put up unforgettable performances. He filled up stat sheets.

But as he ascends to the collegiate level, the hard work, training, and preparation start from scratch again. He’s aware of it, and isn’t taking anything for granted. 

“I would really like to improve on my decision making especially in the end game. As a point guard I know that my judgement will be very crucial for my team,” Navarro told Rappler in an exclusive interview. 

“Also I would want to work more on my outside shooting both coming from the dribble and off a pass.” 

In his senior season, San Sebastian finished at 9-9, which wasn’t good enough to make the Final Four as the Staglets missed the services of some of their graduated players like Michael Calisaan and Ryan Costelo. But Navarro did well enough to turn heads and garner the attention of college recruits. 

He put up 10, 12 points on a daily basis. He also dished four to five assists per game. He was a menace on defense, racking up two, three steals a contest. He could rebound too. And most of all, he was as clutch as a high school stud could be. 

Against the San Beda Red Cubs in the finals of the 2nd PSSBC Finals in December 2013, Navarro was named the Finals MVP after putting up 32 points, 13 assists, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals. That was against the six-time defending NCAA Juniors’ basketball champions. 

He’s not the tallest kid on the block, standing at 5-foot-8. But he is fearless when it comes to driving to the rim, and can fool defenses with his quick and crisp passing. Not coincidentally, his game is inspired by his two favorite NBA players: “I’m a huge fan of Isaiah Thomas and Tony Parker,” he says.

But if there’s one guy whose style he hopes to imitate and master one day, it’s the one of his father, Nandy Navarro.  

“I would really love to mold my game after my dad who also played point guard during his time,” said the second-generation Navarro. 

“He played for La Salle Greenhills in high school, San Sebastian in College, then had a stint with Philip’s Sardines in the PABL. He’s the reason why I play basketball.” 

But the question many want to ask is if the son will follow the father’s footsteps? Will the younger Navarro play for San Sebastian in college as well? If not, then where? 

He has yet to decide. But one thing’s guaranteed: no matter where he goes, he will always be thankful to San Sebastian for giving him the venue to display his talents and start a dream of playing professional basketball. 

“No words will ever be enough to show how thankful I am to San Sebastian for allowing me to hone my God-given talents and for the opportunity to showcase it in the NCAA,” said Navarro. 

Playing for San Sebastian has also allowed him to represent the Philippines abroad, as he recently played in the FIBA Under-17 World Championship. 

“[I’m thankful to them] also for allowing me to play for flag and country even if it was in the middle of the season and I had to miss some important games. They were all after my welfare and for that I’m really grateful,” said Navarro.

“San Sebastian will always be a big part of who I am and I will carry with me all the values of a true Sebastinian wherever I go.”

Navarro sacrificed a lot to become one of the best high schools prospects in the country: nights out with friends, free time to do other things kids his age typically enjoy, and a special relationship with a special girl.

“There’s this girl,” said Navarro, who opted not to specify her name for privacy reasons. “We gave up our relationship so I can focus and give more time for my career. Before we broke up I promised her that once everything’s fine, I’ll do everything to fix our relationship and I’ll include her in my first interview.

“Dramatic, right?” he laughed.  

Now, the sacrifices will be more demanding. The expectations will heighten. The competition for playing time will be more severe. Leeway for failure will be narrow.  

But Navarro has always been a hard-worker; someone who knows what it takes to improve his game and succeed in his tasks. With what his track record shows, there’s no reason to believe he can’t thrive in the next level of his career. 

– Rappler.com