Lucero a perfect fit to Magnolia – Victolero

CHITO Victolero is ecstatic with the fact that Magnolia got a young, up and coming talent in the person of 6-foot-6 Zavier Lucero.

Acquired in a trade with NorthPort recently that saw Magnolia part ways with veteran guard Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter, Victolero now has a young, athletic big man who can easily be the Purefoods franchise’s cornerstone in the next few years.

“He’s (Lucero) doing very well (in practice). We’ve got a fine talent from the trade and we know he’s going to be a big help in the front line which we really lacked,” Victolero told The Manila Times.

Zavier-Lucero
 

The high-leaping Lucero gave a good account of himself during last season’s Philippine Cup after averaging 12.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists with the Batang Pier.

The former University of the Philippines center registered a PBA career-high 29 points last April.

The Magnolia coach said there is no doubt that Lucero’s youth and dynamism will fit in perfectly with his veteran front court, which was led last year by Ian Sangalang, James Laput and Rafi Reavis, who recently turned 47.

“I think his youthfulness will be a big factor for the team. And we hope his energy could rub off on the rest of the team,” said Victolero.

“We just need to make sure he gets to incorporate his youth and talent to the team’s system,” he added.

Magnolia, which tapped former NBA Slam Dunk king Glenn Robinson III as import, is looking to end its six-year title drought when the Governors’ Cup begins on August 18.