Zavier Lucero is the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for October 7–11 after leading the Magnolia Hotshots to a pair of wins in the Governors’ Cup, including a statement victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in their Manila Clasico.
The honor is Lucero’s first this season. He topped Converge FiberXers rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño, while the TNT Tropang 5G’s Calvin Oftana was also given consideration by the Press Corps members covering the PBA beat.
In his games against the Blackwater Bossing and Ginebra, Lucero averaged 19.0 points on 50% shooting, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks. His performance helped Magnolia stretch its winning streak to five straight games after a 1-3 start, and the Hotshots became the first team from Group B to qualify for the quarterfinals.
Lucero Shines in Manila Clasico
The long break did nothing to slow Magnolia down, and Lucero was one of the main reasons. “For us, it’s just about getting our rhythm through practice, working hard and staying ready because we know that we want to make it further this conference,” he said.
He came up biggest on Sunday against Ginebra, posting 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals in a 112-93 victory that cemented Magnolia’s place in the quarterfinals. In the game prior, a 107-101 victory over Blackwater, Lucero fired 17 points on top of 3 rebounds and 2 blocks.
Lucero also pointed to a change in defensive assignments as a key to the win. “A lot of the time, I’m guarding the import, but (against Ginebra), my teammates were,” he said. “And then credit to the coaching staff for putting us in positions to run our offense, and all my points come through the offense.”
Hotshots Keep Rolling
From a 1-3 hole to five straight wins and a quarterfinals berth, Magnolia has turned its conference around, and Lucero has been right in the middle of it. If the Hotshots keep playing this way, more weekly honors, and a deep run, could follow.
