Zavier Lucero’s numbers this season for University of the Philippines have been modest.
After the first round of UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament, the 6-foot-7 Filipino American averaged 11.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.7 steals.
That was just good for 59.71 statistical points – just 17th in the list led by Schonny Winston with 84.42 SPs.
Back in Season 84, Lucero was second in the MVP race after the first round with 15.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 steals.
“Nah,” quipped Lucero before he laughed when asked if being just 17th motivated him in the Fighting Maroons’ 75-63 win over National University on Sunday.
All that matters for the CSU Maritime Academy product is where UP belongs in the standings.
And as of their latest victory, the defending champions have a league-leading 7-1 win-loss record – 1.5 games ahead of Ateneo de Manila University at 5-2.
“Championship is all that matters for this whole team,” said Lucero.
“We got the best record in the league so all those guys in the top running, you gotta win this show for something right?”
So if he had to choose between his individual stats or the Fighting Maroons’ fate? You already know what Lucero will pick.
