Renzo Navarro doesn't need to score to prove something and to provide for the Lyceum Pirates.
He can contribute in many ways possible aside from the scoring department.
Despite a dismal 0-of-6 shooting in the Pirates' 82-80 win against the Arellano Chiefs, Navarro did what he is expected to do — as a team captain, a veteran, and point guard — for the Pirates.
The 5-foot-9 guard executed key plays and dished out superb passes to orchestrate the ball rotation and shooting for his teammates.
Pirates head coach Gilbert Malabanan lauded Navarro, who finished with one point, eight assists, four rebounds, and one steal, for the "sacrifice" he had to make as his "go-to guy."
"Renzo is my go-to guy. When I say go-to guy, hindi niya kailangang umi-score but he can lead the team," said Malabanan of his gutsy and crafty playmaker. "Lalo na 'pag nasa loob siya ng court. 'Cos he's my number one veteran doon sa team. He's my leader.
"Whatever he's saying, pagdating sa loob ng court, para na ring coach 'yon. So they will talk it about, kung ano 'yong dapat naming adjustment. Kasi siya 'yong naglalaro."
Communication, as the starting point guard and the head coach, is the absolute key for both Navarro and Malabanan as they are both responsible for calling the shots be it on the bench or on the court.
"I'm very proud of him. He sacrificed his score but look at his assists. That's the good thing," added Malabanan as Lyceum improved to a commanding 7-2 record for a solo second seed.
John Barba, who led the Pirates alongside Patrick Montano, with 15 points and four rebounds, likewise commended the graduating Navarro for the leadership role he has been showing for the team.
Aside from communication, trust is something that the Pirates hold onto as they thrive to become this season's contenders for the Final Four.
"Grabe 'yong leadership ni Navarro sa loob ng court," said Barba. "Talagang dinidisiplina niya kami sa loob ng court, nagtitiwala lang din kami sa captain namin. And nagtitiwala din 'yong captain namin sa'min. Kung baga, give and take."