THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is checking on the eligibility of Zavier Lucero to play for Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
The Magnolia big man was included in the Gilas pool for the Asian showpiece, but on whether he is considered a local or naturalized player is still being determined.
“The SBP is checking that out now,” said Cone after Monday’s first day of practice for Gilas Pilipinas. “But he (Lucero) is handing in all of his paperwork and he’s checking that out. They are checking that out now.”
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Gilas is certainly confident that Lucero can be considerd a homegrown player, the reason he was added to the pool for Jeddah-bound squad.
“We think he is but not until we get full disclosure...” said Cone.
It remains unclear, at the moment, whether Lucero was already a Philippine passport holder before turning 16, which is the clear-cut rule of FIBA to classify a player as a local.
But there has been exemptions to the rule including Chris Newsome, who is classified as a local in FIBA tournaments even though he secured his Philippine passport after turning 16 years old.
The 6-foot-6 Lucero was born in Vallejo, California to a Mexican father and a Filipina mother, and his parents recently visited him to watch his games at the tailend of Magnolia's campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Although he played for California State University Maritime Academy, Lucero played two seasons with University of the Philippines in the UAAP.
He was drafted before Season 48 (2023-24) by NorthPort at No. 5 before being traded to Magnolia last July 2024.
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