Gilas Pilipinas to pick Will Navarro in PBA draft

Gilas Pilipinas is also set to pick Ateneo's Will Navarro in the upcoming rookie draft of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Navarro will be the fourth pick of the national team, following the three earlier announced selections Jaydee Tungcab, Jordan Heading, and Tzaddy Rangel.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Monday said Navarro was convinced to join the national pool after his training experience inside the Gilas bubble in Calamba, Laguna.

"William Navarro initially begged off from joining but his stint inside the Gilas Pilipinas training bubble has convinced him that this would be the best direction for his development as a basketball player," SBP president Al Panlilio said in a statement.

The 6-foot-6 Navarro decided to forego his final playing year in Ateneo de Manila University. Navarro posted an average of 7.38 points and 5.77 rebounds during UAAP Season 82.

Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin previously described Navarro as a "poster boy for efficiency."

SBP said Navarro will be the last Gilas pick for the upcoming draft scheduled on March 14. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA News