Will Navarro not cleared to play in KBL due to live contract with Gilas, says SBP

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Sunday said Will Navarro will not be allowed to suit up as an import in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) due to an existing contract with the national team.

Navarro was tapped to reinforce Seoul Samsung in Korea but the federation said the former Ateneo cager has commitments to Gilas Pilipinas, making him ineligible to boost the Korean club.

"The SBP respects players' rights to look for greener pastures. But players also need to respect agreements they have entered into with their teams," the statement read.

"Recently, the Korea Basketball Association (KBA) requested FIBA for a Letter of Clearance (LOC) for William Raniel Navarro to play for the Samsung Thunders in Korea."

According to SBP, part of Navarro's contract with SBP is to play for the national team, attend activities, practices, social, and business functions.

It also says that with his undeniable agreement, he will be assigned to only and no other team or ballclub than his PBA drafting team, the North Port Batang Pier.

"After carefully reviewing the positions of the KBA and the SBP, FIBA issued its decision on September 12, 2022 not to allow Mr. Navarro to join Samsung Thunders," it added.

"FIBA upheld that he still has an existing, legally binding contract preventing him from doing so."

—JMB, GMA News