University of the Philippines’ last piece to its puzzle finally arrived.
Former Cal State Maritime Academy standout Zavier Lucero has committed to the Fighting Maroons, bolstering an already-loaded lineup.
Fil-Am Nation Select’s Cris Gopez and Rodel Lizan confirmed the development to Tiebreaker Times.
Lucero, 22, obtained his degree in International Business and Logistics late last year. He then enrolled in a master’s degree in UP, making him eligible for the upcoming UAAP Season 84 tournament.
In his first three years with the Keelhaulers, the lanky and athletic 6-foot-6 forward averaged 15.0 points on 49.3-percent shooting and 8.3 rebounds. During the 2019-20 season alone, he normed team-highs 19.4 markers and 10.2 boards per contest.
Lucero was part of the 2019-20 NAIA Division II’s All-American Team to add to his many personal feats — including three All-Cal Pac Conference First Team selections and a Freshman of the Year Award in 2018.
Lucero arrived in the country last February 9 and cleared quarantine last Monday.
“So far, he has been a workhorse and has been adjusting really well with the team since he arrived,” UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde told Tiebreaker Times. “He will definitely add a higher ceiling to our team and is a big addition to our program.”
Photo from Fil-Am Nation Select
Luciero, who has two years of eligibility left under his belt, joins an already loaded lineup.
Holdovers from the Season 82 team are Ricci Rivero, James Spencer, Noah Webb, and JBoy Gob. Looking to be promoted to Team A are Brix Ramos and AJ Madrigal.
Recruits over the last two years are CJ Cansino, Carl Tamayo, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Henry Galinato, Bismarck Lina, Harold Alarcon, Malick Diouf, Daniel De Joya, Joel Cagulangan, RC Calimag, Jancork Cabahug, Cyril Gonzales, Collin Dimaculangan, Alonso Tan, and CJ Catapusan.
