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Tag: Zavier Lucero

  • Zavier Lucero hopes Asian Games call-up brings first Gilas Pilipinas 

    Zavier Lucero hopes Asian Games call-up brings first Gilas Pilipinas 

    For Zavier Lucero, making the Gilas Pilipinas preliminary roster is more than simply another name on a 30-man list. It represents a possible first step toward finally wearing the national team jersey he has long wanted to earn.

     

    The Magnolia Hotshots forward was included in the preliminary pool for the 20th Asian Games in Japan next month, putting him within reach of a potential national team debut under head coach Tim Cone.

     

    “Hopefully, I’m on that short list too and get to represent the country for the first time,” he told Tiebreaker Times Wednesday night, shortly after the Hotshots beat Phoenix for their third straight win in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    Lucero still has work to do before that dream becomes reality. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has only submitted the long list required for the Asian Games, with Cone and his coaching staff still tasked with trimming the pool down to the final 12-man roster.

     

    Still, the opportunity gives the 29-year-old a fresh chance after coming close to joining Gilas in the past.

     

    The former University of the Philippines standout was initially part of the national team pool for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, only to be removed while his eligibility was being verified. The Asian Games’ more relaxed eligibility rules could now work in his favor, particularly with the absence of several overseas-based Filipino players.

     

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    On the court, Lucero offers the type of physicality and athleticism that could make him an intriguing option for the frontcourt. His ability to defend, rebound and battle inside gives Cone another potential piece as the Philippines tries to defend the Asian Games gold medal it won in 2023.

     

    But Lucero knows being considered is still a long way from making the final cut.

    For now, he is simply embracing the opportunity and allowing himself to dream about what could be his biggest basketball honor yet.

     

    “It’s bigger than anything I’ve ever been a part of, so I’m very thankful to be considered,” said Lucero.

     

    “Like I said … Hopefully I’ll make that short list. I’m excited. I’m excited at the possibility, and it’s an honor.”

     

    For a player who has already experienced the highs of college and professional basketball, the possibility of finally representing the Philippines could be the next major chapter in Lucero’s career.

     

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  • Zavier Lucero anchors Magnolia’s defensive game as Hotshots silence Ginebra 

    Zavier Lucero anchors Magnolia’s defensive game as Hotshots silence Ginebra 

    Magnolia proved that defense remains its strongest identity after shutting down Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 88-73, in their Manila Clasico clash in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.


    The Hotshots dictated the game from the opening half, with Zavier Lucero setting the tone on both ends of the floor. 

     

    Lucero erupted for 22 points before halftime, giving Magnolia early control before finishing with a dominant stat line of 24 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, and two assists.

     

    “I felt like I kind of let the team down in our last game. I just tried to come out and be an example to my teammates on how we needed to come out and set the tone – not necessarily on offense but also on defense,” Lucero said. 

     

    His performance not only fueled Magnolia offensively but also became the centerpiece of a defensive effort that frustrated the Gin Kings throughout the night.

     

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    “I take pride in my defense, as it’s our team’s best chance at winning,” he said.

     

    While Lucero delivered the early knockout punch, import KJ Buffen provided steady production of his own, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and two steals to help Magnolia improve to 2-3 in the conference.

     

    The Hotshots’ defensive discipline made life miserable for Ginebra’s offense, particularly import Riley Grigsby.

     

    After entering the game as one of the conference’s reliable scorers, Grigsby was held to his lowest output of the tournament with just 15 points on an inefficient 5-of-19 shooting.

     

    Stephen Holt paced Barangay Ginebra with 17 points and five rebounds, but the Gin Kings struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm. 

     

    Guard RJ Abarrientos also endured a difficult outing, finishing with only six points on 2-of-9 shooting.

     

    Despite the added attention that comes with every Manila Clasico meeting, Lucero insisted his preparation never changes regardless of the opponent.

     

    “There’s a lot of draw from the crowd just because it’s Ginebra, so it’s more fun and there are more people, and that’s all great. But I try not to switch my mentality to any game,” he said.

     

    The victory allowed Magnolia to move into a tie for fourth place in Group A alongside Barangay Ginebra, with both teams now holding identical 2-3 records after five games.

     

    Magnolia will look to build on its momentum when it faces the Meralco Bolts on Friday, August 7, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Ginebra, meanwhile, hopes to bounce back when it takes on the Blackwater Bossing on Sunday, August 9, at the same venue.

     

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  • Calvin Abueva draws 20k fine, warning after elbow incident on  Zavier Lucero

    Calvin Abueva draws 20k fine, warning after elbow incident on  Zavier Lucero

    For Calvin Abueva, the line between intensity and infraction has once again come into focus.

     

    The PBA Commissioner’s Office handed down a P20,000 fine to the Converge forward following his elbow to the head of Zavier Lucero during their matchup against Magnolia—an incident that didn’t just draw attention in-game, but warranted a second look after the final buzzer.

     

    Upon review, the league upgraded the call from a flagrant foul penalty one to a more severe flagrant foul penalty two, underscoring the seriousness of the contact. Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that Abueva was summoned before Converge’s next outing, where the decision—and the consequences—were formally delivered.

     

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    Marcial noted that Abueva expressed remorse during the meeting, but made it clear that patience from the league has its limits. A repeat offense, he warned, would result in a heavier sanction.

    The latest penalty adds to a growing list this conference.

     

    Earlier, Abueva was also fined P20,000 following a postgame outburst after a loss to Barangay Ginebra, where he was heard shouting “Paldo referee” and “Apat sila paldo” in the hallway of the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Taken together, the incidents highlight a recurring challenge for one of the league’s most polarizing figures—balancing his trademark edge with the boundaries set by the game.

     

    Abueva’s energy has long been both his strength and his risk. And as the conference progresses, the margin for error appears to be getting thinner.

     

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