SOPHOMORE Zavier Luceo embraces the prospect of strongly contending for a PBA championship outright behind a veteran team such as Magnolia.
The expectations stemmed from the recent trade involving the 6-foot-7 Lucero, who was acquired by the Hotshots from the Northport Batang Pier for the duo of Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter.
"I sure hope so. And I hope sooner rather than later. I think we got the pieces to do it this conference," said Lucero, speaking for the first time about the trade deal during the recent PBA Media Day at the Le Parc Event Hall in Pasay City.
"I mean from top to bottom, plus you add Glenn (Robinson III) to the mix and his NBA experience and what not, we definitely got a shot if we can put it together. I think it's a good shot. It's just about getting our chemistry together and setting aside anything that doesn't help us win."
Surprised as he may be with the trade deal, Lucero nonetheless took the change in environment like a real trooper.
Sponsored content:
The no. 5 overall pick in Season 48 draft was shipped to the Hotshots despite just playing 12 games for Northport during the Philippine Cup.
"I was getting ready to comeback at Northport and put on that jersey again. But you know, that's life in the professional basketball arena," said the big man out of University of the Philippines. "I welcome it obviously, and I'm happy to be with Magnolia."
Lucero actually just played for a conference with the Batang Pier last season as he completed his recovery from an ACL injury in the US in the early part of the year.
But that short stint was more than enough for Lucero to get his feet wet in the league.
"Being able to have that conference under my belt, I got used to the style and got used to kind of help things worked, is going to help me come into this conference. So I'm grateful for my team with Northport for sure," said Lucero.
Sponsored content:
Moving forward, he sees learning a lot from the Hotshots especially from among its rank of veteran players from point guards Mark Barroca and Paul Lee to big men Ian Sangalang and Rafi Reavies .
"Maturity for sure is a big thing here, how professional it feels. Not that Northport was not professional, but when you got guys who have been in the league for so long, have won and done it at the highest level, it's definitely a different feeling," said Lucero. "it's been good for me to be part of this program for sure." (RG)
