Will Navarro lodged an appeal before the International Basketball Federation, hoping to get a favorable response that will pave the way for him to see action in the Korean Basketball League.

Navarro's agent, PJ Pilares, told Daily Tribune that they are seeking reconsideration from the world-governing body to allow the 6-foot-6 forward to suit up for the Seoul Samsung Thunders despite his live contract with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas that will last until March of next year.

Navarro, a former Ateneo de Manila University star, is the latest Filipino to express willingness to play abroad.

He was introduced by the Thunders as its import under the league's Asian Player Quota last July, but FIBA denied issuing him a Letter of Clearance after the SBP raised his standing contract with the Gilas Pilipinas program.

Based on his contract, Navarro is mandated to play for the national squad and be assigned only to NorthPort the team that drafted him in the special Gilas draft of the Philippine Basketball Association last year.

The federation added that Navarro has to honor his existing contract, barring him from packing his bags for the Korean capital to play for the Thunders.

But Pilares said they are appealing the FIBA verdict.

"We're still seeking clearance even if it has been denied once. So, we will continue to talk with the SBP and FIBA regarding that," Pilares said when asked about their next course of action.

"Will is still with the national team."

Navarro's case draw comparison to that of Kiefer Ravena, who signed a contract with the Shiga Lakes despite being in the middle of his three-year contract with NLEX.

The only difference, however, was that Ravena secured clearance from NLEX on the condition that he will return after a year of playing in the Japanese B.League.

But the SBP was firm on keeping Navarro grounded.