Zavier Lucero will be out for University of the Philippines’ most important game of the season.
The athletic 6-foot-6 forward has been diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tear in his left knee.
The grade of the tear was not disclosed.
Lucero’s MRI was done at Philippine General Hospital by Dr. Lyndon Bathan on Thursday.
Lucero, a product of Cal Maritime, was the Fighting Maroons’ second-leading scorer until the semis, averaging 11.36 points with 5.29 rebounds, 1.93 assists, and 1.43 steals.
During Game One, he tallied 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, leading UP to a 72-66 victory over Ateneo.
Disaster struck however in Game Two last Wednesday.
With UP down 59-44 with 8:31 remaining, Lucero tried to drive past Chris Koon. However, his left knee buckled at the plant.
He had to be carried to the sidelines by two members of UP’s medical team and by Henry Galinato to the locker room after the contest that saw Ateneo even the series, 55-65.
Lucero, who is in his final year of collegiate eligibility, sent words of encouragement to his team saying, “I believe in you guys, you have what it takes to win it all. I’ll be there to support you guys. We put everything together, and you all know what to do to win.
“We just have to play the right way, share that basketball and make the right decisions”
The UP community is dedicating Game 3 to Lucero, putting up the “Zav the Date” campaign for Monday’s contest.
“Not white, not black, just wear MAROON,” read the post of Nowhere To Go But Up founder Renan Dalisay.
