MAGNOLIA welcomes with open arms the arrival of big man Zavier Lucero, who the team hopes would finally fill in the major hole in the middle that has been the Hotshots' Achilles heel through the years.
So far, coach Chito Victolero likes what he sees in the 6-foot-7 Fil-Am and product of University of the Philippines.
"OK na ok siya. Yun naman kasi talaga yung wala sa team namin in the past," said the Magnolia coach, obviously referring to the lack of natural big man to patrol the middle for Magnolia.
"And he can play multiple positions at 3, 4, and 5. Puwede rin siyang mag-bantay ng imports," added Victolero, noting the opener of the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup features imports with a 6-foot-6 height limit.
But in acquiring Lucero and filling in what the Hotshots needed, the team had to give up someone in return.
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And so they had to part ways with pesky guard Jio Jalalon and Fil-Am Abu Tratter to get the services of Lucero from Northport.
Selected no. 5 overall by the Batang Pier in the Season 48 draft, Lucero skipped last year's Commissioner's Cup while recovering from an ACL surgery in the US.
But when he finally suited up in the season-ending Philippine Cup, the big man was quick to show what he got and averaged 12.08 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.
He eventually scored a career-high 29 points in a 115-105 loss by Northport to Rain or Shine.
"Na-clear na namin sa kanya yun," said Victolero of Lucero' previous ACL injury. "Wala ng issue doon."
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Lucero is among three new acquisitions of Magnolia for the new season together with first round pick Jerom Lastimosa and rookie free agent Peter Alfaro.
"Mas bumata kami this season," Victolero noted.(RG)
