Zavier Lucero, a star forward for UP and a member of the UAAP Mythical Five, stays with the Fighting Maroons so they can try to defend their historical title that ended a 36-year drought. To make the most money from okbet sports betting, you need to find the best odds.
Representatives for Zavier Lucero at Fil-Am Nation said on Tuesday, July 19. He will turn down the chance to play professional basketball in Taiwan. And instead return to the Fighting Maroons for their 85th season, which will be his last.
Lucero, a Season 84’s Mythical Five member, chose to play one more season with UP. So that he and his teammates and coaches could win back-to-back titles later this year.
The 22-year-old forward was a key part of the Fighting Maroons’ historic championship win on May 13. Which was their first since 1986 and ended the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ reign of dominance.
“I always planned to go back and play for UP for the rest of my two years. But I thought it would be wise to find out at least what my options. Even if it was to see what was out there,” Lucero said.
Both P.League+ and the T1 League teams wanted to sign the Californian.
“The UP community, my team members, and coaches have been so nice to me that helping win back-to-back championships is the least I can do.” Because of this, I’ll be back. I couldn’t leave my people and go back on my word to this team.”
His choice was in line with program director Bo Perasol’s confidence when the Taiwanese group’ interest was first reported.
Early in the season, Lucero was in the running for MVP. Even though the second round of eliminations was rough. He still made the Mythical Team by averaging 13.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.9 blocks in a little over 26 min in every game.
The 6-foot-7 star joined eventual Finals MVP Malick Diouf and fellow Mythical Five member Carl Tamayo to form UP’s fearsome front court. They were joined by veteran Ricci Rivero, former UAAP Juniors MVP CJ Cansino. Also, eventual Finals MVP JD Cagulangan, who were all part of UP’s loaded guard rotation.
At the end of the eliminations, UP got a twice-to-beat seed with much help from Lucero. In Game 1 of the finals, he helped the Fighting Maroons come back against Ateneo late in the game.
Even though he didn’t score in the deciding Game 3, his effort and defense made a big difference.
Concerted recruitment effort
Fil-Am Nation says that UP’s management also did its part to get Lucero to stay by showing through their actions and promises how important he is to their program.
“UP management did what Fil-Am Nation told them to do to ease the family’s fears about Zav’s safety if he stayed,” they said in a statement. “It’s what NCAA Division 1 college teams in the U.S. do for athletes who have a good possibility of making it to the pros.”
Cris Gopez, the founder of Fil-Am Nation, lives in Los Angeles. Last week, he flew to San Francisco and back in one day to have a private dinner with Lucero and discuss his options.
With some friendly advice from Gopez, the cousin of PBA star Alex Cabagnot. Lucero decided to stay with UP, which seemed to be what was in his heart all along. Check okbet pba news for the latest information and the best odds.
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