The San Miguel Corporation continued its youth movement on Monday.
This time, Magnolia received Zavier Lucero while Ginebra got Ben Adamos — both from Northport.
In exchange, the Batang Pier received Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter from the Hotshots and Sidney Onwubere from the Gin Kings.
Of course, the steal in these two transactions is Lucero going to Magnolia.
Lucero, a 6-foot-6 winger, was the fifth overall pick in last year’s deep draft.
He only played in 12 games last season due to a long recovery from an ACL tear he sustained during his final year at the University of the Philippines.
Lucero, though, was worth the wait, averaging 12.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Ginebra also got what it wanted after shipping away Christian Standhardinger to Terrafirma last Saturday, receiving a 6-foot-7 stretch big man in Adamos.
Adamos only joined Northport last December in the 3-for-1 deal that sent Robert Bolick to NLEX.
The 28-year-old Perpetual product played in eight games last conference with the Batang Pier.
Northport, though, will not go home empty-handed with Jalalon, Tratter, and Onwubere.
(C) PBA Images
Jalalon spent the first eight years of his career with Magnolia, helping the Hotshots win the 2018 Governors’ Cup title while earning himself five all-star nods and a Defensive Player of the Year citation.
However, his production dipped significantly last season. Jalalon also figured in numerous off-court distractions during his tenure with the Hotshots.
(C) PBA Images
Tratter, meanwhile, struggled to crack Magnolia’s rotation during his one-year stay there.
Photo by PBA Images
On the other hand, Onwubere returns to Northport after three years.
