CHICAGO -- Most PBA players choose to appropriate their short time off between conferences to go on vacation and do fun stuff to recharge.
Zavier Lucero had other plans.
"While I was back in the States, I did a lot of lifting to improve my strength and conditioning and got treatment from my physical therapist about three times a week. I also made sure I got on the court to make sure my skills and cardio were still in tune," he told me via text message.
The hardwork and sacrifice has paid off big time.
Thanks largely to the 6-foot-6, 225-lb. forward, the Magnolia Hotshots are off to a 2-0 start in the Philippine Cup.
Lucero isn't just good. He's dazzling, riveting.
In Magnolia's 106-84 beating of Blackwater last April 10, the former UP Fighting Maroon tormented the Bossing with 21 points and seven rebounds.
SECOND SERVING
He returned to the scene of the crime -- the Ninoy Aquino Stadium -- four days later and helped the Hotshots slay the Converge FiberXers with 18 points, five boards, two blocks and two dimes.
In those two games, the Fil-Am from Vallejo, California has hit 60 percent of his field goal attempts (15-of-25), 71.4 percent from three (5-of-7) and 66.6 percent from the free throw stripe (4-of-6).
You know what they call that kind of production, folks?
MVP-like numbers.
But always the team player, Zav, who still curiously comes off the bench, isn't worried about personal accolades coming his way.
"Individual awards such as the Best Player of the Conference (BPOC) aren't in my mind at all, " he said. "My only focus is contributing in any way,to help the team win.
What's more important to me is to compete in the Finals and win a chip."
BUT CAN THE HOTSHOTS DO IT?
"I like our chances a lot. I think with our line-up we should show well in this conference. We have great young talent that complement the vets who have done it all. We have good size and guys who can play multiple positions."
And while Magnolia has a history of losing steam and withering near the finish line, don't count on Lucero's performance to dip as the tournament deepens.
"I think a ceiling is something that only comes when you limit yourself. I try not to do that, constantly trying to visualize myself doing better and better and feeding myself positive affirmations and confidence.".
Normally, a weapon of mass scoring and rebounding is automatically a starter in a team, but Zav ain't worried about not getting starter status, either.
He loves his teammates and abides with what the coaching staff believes is best for the Magnolia as it pertains to his usage.
A good guy, a great teammate and an even better human being. That's what Zavier Lucero is. And if team management has any sense, they should lock him up long term.
The Hotshots have just found their superstar for the future..
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