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The high-stakes recruitment of sought-after Filipino-American basketball standout Zavier Lucero has come down to two rivals in the UAAP championship chase: three-time defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles and crowd-favorites UP Fighting Maroons.
Lucero, 21, told Rappler in an exclusive interview that his decision will be made once he’s visited both universities in the Philippines.
“Ateneo and UP are the two schools I’m deciding between because of the caliber of basketball they play as well as the conversations I had with both coach Tab Baldwin and coach Bo Perasol,” said the 6-foot-7 Lucero, who plays both inside and out on both sides of the floor.
“You always want to go to a team [where] you are wanted and that is something I feel from both schools and both coaches,” he said.
“These two teams also compete for championships each year. I want to go to a team I could help win. The academics at both schools are a draw as well. Their alumni’s success speaks for itself.
Lucero suited up 3 seasons for Cal Maritime Academy in the second division of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) basketball tournament.
In his junior campaign, Lucero averaged 19.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals in 33 minutes a game. His senior season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He has until May 2021 to finish his academics at Cal Maritime, after which he will take a master’s degree in his Philippine-based university of choice.
Since Lucero only played 3 seasons in NAIA, he will be eligible for two playing years after finishing his residency during UAAP Season 83.
“Zavier was given an All-American selection in NAIA D2. That’s like a Mythical 5 from the UAAP, but NAIA has 230 member schools. So to receive it, he had to beat 3,400 players and be in the top 10,” said coach Cris Gopez, who’s been training Lucero under the Fil-Foreign nation umbrella in Los Angeles, California.
Like Lucero, Gopez also went to Cal Maritime Academy.
“Whoever gets Zavier will get a game-changer and possibly a future MVP,” claimed Gopez, who revealed that Lucero competes in the same level as Jamie Malonzo Orme, La Salle’s Mythical 5 player last UAAP season, and Bobby Ray Parks, former UAAP MVP and top PBA draft pick.
Lucero admits he’s been doing research on the culture of Philippine basketball.
“I’ve learned that the talent level is high and that there is a ton of school pride. I’m excited at the possibility of playing for and being part of such a passionate community,” he said.
“I’m excited to play and hopefully showcase my talents to a country that loves basketball as much as I do.”
Part of his research process includes new findings on his two suitors, who have been aggressive in pursuing him.
“I’ve learned that Ateneo is a powerhouse in the UAAP that has enjoyed much success in the Tab Baldwin era and that they play a very high level of basketball,” said Lucero, who also drew interest from La Salle and Adamson.
“I know that more than anything they want to continue to create a dynasty and win more championships. Their system and unselfish play speaks to their success. And I would fit in that system and help continue the dynasty.”
“I know UP is another powerhouse that is so close to being on top again and are striving for nothing but the championship that has eluded them for a while now,” Lucero added.
“I know UP has the weapons. They just need to put it all together and I am someone who can help them get back on top.”
The Fighting Maroons are seeking their first title since 1986. This recruitment offseason, UP attained the likes of CJ Cansino, Bismarck Lina, Gerry Abadiano, Carl Tamayo, and Miguel Tan, among others.
Ateneo, on the other hand, secured the transfer of Dave Ildefonso and successfully recruited Fil-Am Chris Koon.
When asked what the school he selects can expect out of him, Lucero kept it simple:
“The school I choose is going to get a winner.”
How so?
“Someone who is willing to take whatever role that is required for the team’s success. They are going to get an all-around player who is unselfish and is going to come in and work hard day in and day out,” said Lucero.
“The school is going to get a leader that will contribute on both ends of the floor. They will get a passionate player that competes no matter the circumstance.
“I can’t guarantee a championship but I can guarantee a relentless approach in the quest for a championship. Lastly, they will be getting someone whose hunger to be successful is always at the forefront and knows that in order for that to happen, the team has to be at the forefront as well.”
The race is on. – Rappler.com
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