It was quite a journey in the collegiate ranks for Renzo Navarro, but he is just glad to be able to end it with Lyceum of the Philippines University.
"Pumasok ako ng NCAA, 2013, sa Juniors pa eh. Sobrang haba ng journey, struggles and challenges," Navarro recalled.
"I almost gave up pero today sobrang saya ko na kahit 'di namin nakuha ‘yung gusto naming makuha, natapos ‘yung collegiate career ko dito sa NCAA para sa LPU."
Navarro started out his collegiate basketball journey with De La Salle University in 2015, where he stayed for just one year before returning to his high school alma mater, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, which he represented back in the junior ranks.
His stay there, though, also proved to be short-lived as he then made a jump to Intramuros in 2019 with the Pirates, where he suited up for three seasons. Navarro capped off his lengthy college career with a Final Four run, guiding Lyceum to a semifinals appearance in Season 98 with averages of 6.56 points, 3.33 rebounds, and 5.33 assists.
And while his efforts weren't enough to bring the title to Lyceum, Navarro remained proud of what his team achieved.
"Itong season mas madami akong sinacrifice na shots and opportunities para i-open sa team ko. Happy and contented ako sa season ko kasi kung inisip ko ‘yung sarili ko sa season na ‘to, ‘di namin mararating ‘to, e," he added.
"Sobrang laki ng potentials ng team at teammates ko at namaximize ’yon dahil sa sacrifices na ginawa ko."
Looking in the future, Navarro said he'll take a short breather before trying his luck at the PBA.
"Siguro ngayon, magpapahinga muna ako, kasi dalawang season isang taon, e. Pero next year, magaapply talaga ako para sa draft kasi ’yun naman talaga gusto namin puntahang lahat."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
