According to reports, a number of factors, including his desire to play in a competitive environment and his pride at having the Pampanga Giant Lanterns represent his home province, motivated the 23-year-old’s quick flight.

A major driving force was undoubtedly money, one of humanity’s oldest motivations.

When asked about the flamboyant player’s choice to switch from the PBA to the MPBL, Serrano’s longtime supporter, Pampanga Governor Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda, mentioned a P70, 000 monthly compensation.

Phoenix, however, was quick to deny this, claiming that Serrano’s P70, 000 monthly wage was actually his first-year pay and was not exactly what the organization had offered to the former La Salle guard during offseason negotiations.

When asked about Encho’s wage, which was significantly less than the P200, 000 cap for new players, Phoenix squad manager Paolo Bugia replied via text message that it was consistent with his 19th pick spot.

He continued, after expiring, Encho was already offered a significantly higher extension rate.

Meanwhile, the forward from Ateneo has been signed by the Batang Pier to a two-year contract despite still being sidelined with an ACL injury.

How much is William Navarro worth to Northport?

A day after the team’s 95–87 PBA On Tour loss against NLEX, NorthPort management and the 26-year-old Navarro both confirmed the terms of the agreement.

Navarro reportedly already has a two-year contract, according to Coach Pido Jarencio.

In the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal series between Northport and Barangay Ginebra last December, Navarro suffered a complete ACL tear.

It took Navarro between 10 and 12 months to recover fully from the injuries.

If at all, his complete recuperation will occur only in time for the 48th PBA Season to begin.