ZAVIER Lucero finally made his long-awaited PBA debut last Friday after recovering from a major injury suffered late in his UAAP career.
Although he put on a strong showing in his first-ever game in the pros, the former University of the Philippines standout is still looking for his rhythm, having been away from the game for more than a year.
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In his first game, Lucero had 13 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks in NorthPort’s 107-100 loss to NLEX, although he felt he could have performed better.
“It’s getting there,” said Lucero. “I felt good out there. I didn’t feel too winded or anything like that. Just finding my rhythm again. I missed some gimmes, dropped some passes. It’s my first game in over a year. Just happy that I made it through and my knees are still intact.”
Lucero suffered an ACL injury in his final season with University of the Philippines in the UAAP in 2022. Midway through that year, Lucero captured the a place in the Mythical Five of the Season 84 semi-bubble as the Maroons won the UAAP crown.
Despite the injury, the Batang Pier selected Lucero at No. 5 overall in the PBA Season 48 draft. Lucero is grateful not just to be drafted by the team but allowed to do his rehab in the United States to fully recover from the injury.
“I tried to get my recovery all the way through… From Day One, as soon as I started the process, I knew that I wanted to see it all the way through. I’m grateful to NorthPort for letting me do that so I can come back and feel comfortable about being back.
“It’s a major injury. That comfort mentally and physically, that pays dividends in your game. For me, it’s just about getting back when I was ready and when my knee felt great,” said Lucero.
The 6-foot-7 former California State University product also made sure to add some weight in preparation for the physicality in the PBA.
“That’s a big thing for me this offseason, this rehab period. I had a chance to adding a year-long recovery for me, you got to tact on muscle and put that weight on. I want to say I gained 30 pounds just lifting and trying to prepare myself for the pro level and try to prepare myself to withstand whatever I need to withstand. I definitely put my work in to be able to come back stronger,” said Lucero.
Lucero struggled offensively in his second game with NorthPort where he was scoreless and shot 0-of-5 from the field. He, however, had two rebounds, one steal, and one block.
Defense is name of the game
Whether he does well offensively or not, Lucero said the defensive part of his game will never be compromised.
“That’s part of my game that I’ll never sacrifice,” said Lucero, referring to his defense.
“Whenever I have a chance to make a play on defense, I’m going for it … So for me, it’s always been helping the team any way I can whether offense or defense, in a position to make a play. That’s trying to help the team the best way I can.”
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