Is Zavier Lucero eligible for Gilas?
Fans online quickly asked as much after news of the Fil-Am wing’s inclusion in the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
Coach Tim Cone shared the development on Monday as the men’s team began its buildup with two notable players in tow: Troy Rosario and RJ Abarrientos.
The champion mentor said that both his Ginebra boys are among the four added to the preliminary roster, with Rhenz Abando and Lucero the other two.
Avid supporters — especially the Magnolia faithful — celebrated the budding star’s call-up for national team duties.
But a few wondered if the former University of the Philippines standout is eligible to represent the country as a local in FIBA competitions.
Lucero hails from Vallejo, California, and was born to a Filipino mother and a Mexican-American father, and went to the Philippines back in 2022.
Asked about it, Cone believes that the athletic 6-foot-6 cager is qualified, although the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is confirming as much.
“The SBP is checking that out now,” he told reporters moments after the Nationals got together at the Upper Deck Sports Center in Pasig.
And the 26-year-old Lucero himself has shown his eagerness to participate in the national team, as he’s also been doing his part to help the federation.
“He is handing in all of his paperwork, and they’re checking that out now. We think he is, but not until we get full disclosure,” Cone said.
“We’ll know, for sure,” he added.
Lucero is expected to join Gilas soon, as he’s back home in the States after the Hotshots’ quarterfinal exit in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
#WATCH: Gilas Men head coach Tim Cone talks about adding RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, Rhenz Abando, and Zavier Lucero to the national team’s “long list” for the FIBA #AsiaCup 🏀🇵🇭 #ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/yBq3lfoody
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times #LabanPilipinas pic.twitter.com/kkVorotNJK
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 7, 2025
