SIGNING a contract extension with Magnolia wasn’t a difficult thing as far as Zavier Lucero was concerned.
The third-year big man out of University of the Philippines made it known that it was never his intention to leave the country before he signed the two-year contract extension offered to him by the San Miguel Corp.-owned franchise.
Formerly with Northport, Lucero received his first contract with the Hotshots two weeks ago which he signed with the PBA 50th season just around the corner.
COLUMN: How Tenorio stepped in to keep Lucero from leaving
He described the negotiations as truly professional as Lucero was represented by Marvin Espiritu of the Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management.
“What I said the whole time throughout my negotiations that the Philippines is where I want to be. I found a home here. I feel at home here,” said the versatile Fil-Am during the PBA Media Day at the Elements of Centris in Quezon City.
At the same time, Lucero said winning a championship is the ultimate goal especially after Magnolia failed to make it past the quarterfinals in his first season with the franchise.
Unfinished business
“I want to bring a championship, I’ve had an unfinished business,” he stressed.
Lucero landed at Magnolia prior to Season 49 following a trade with Northport that also involved Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter.
His arrival renewed hopes of the Hotshots finally ending a seven-year title drought as the team also acquired from the draft talented guards Jerom Lastimosa and Peter Alfaro.
Alas, the team was only good for the playoffs the entire season, and worse, failed to capitalize on its twice-to-beat advantage during the Philippine Cup quarterfinals where it was shown the door by the TNT Tropang 5G.
With renewed hope for the new season including a new coach in LA Tenorio, Lucero sees the Hotshots competing for championships in the league’s golden year.
Winning a title is not only personal for Lucero.
“I’m trying to bring a championship not only for myself or Magnolia, but for most of my teammates that haven’t had that glory in a while,” he said.
“Paul (Lee), Mark (Barroca), Ian (Sangalang), Rome (Dela Rosa). Guys that have been in the league for a while. And I want to help them get a championship for sure. That’s the goal.”
Magnolia’s last championship came during the 2018 Governors’ Cup,
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