Zavier Lucero is now a Batang Pier.
The stalwart from the University of the Philippines has inked a two-year deal with Northport.
Lucero is represented by Marvin Espiritu of EMBM.
The 23-year-old athletic winger, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2023 PBA Draft, had a ceremonial signing in his California home since he is still recovering from the ACL tear he sustained during Game Two of the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Finals.
Lucero was considered a top prospect for this class, even reaching as high as the second pick in mock drafts.
However, his injury dropped him to fifth on draft day. Nonetheless, Lucero is seen as the one to replace Arwind Santos at Northport.
According to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation, Santos’ contract extension talks with the Batang Pier have stalled. Lucero is scheduled to return to the country this January.
