By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons are looking scarier as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) gets near.
After a stellar off-season following the recruitments of National University (NU) high school superstars Ilonggo Gerry Abadiano and Gilas Pilipinas standout Carl Tamayo, the Fighting Maroons just fortified their frontcourt after landing six-foot-six swingman Zavier Lucero from Cal State Maritime Academy.
Lucero will be eligible to be a part of the Fighting Maroons’ active roster this UAAP Season 84 after enrolling in one of UP’s master’s degree courses.
The swingman from Cal State averaged an impressive 15.0 points and 8.3 rebounds and was a member of the 2019-20 NAIA Division II’s All-American Team.
Aside from his NAIA All-American selection, Lucero was also named in three All-Cal Pac Conference First Team selections while clinching the Freshman of the Year Award last 2018.
“So far, he has been a workhorse and has been adjusting really well with the team since he arrived. He will definitely add ceiling to our team and is a big addition to our program,” UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde said.
Lucero will look to form one of the most athletic frontcourts the Fighting Maroons ever had together with newly acquired center Malick Diouf and Tamayo.
Leading the team are UAAP veteran and former De La Salle University stalwart Ricci Rivero, Joel Cagulangan, Terrence Fortea, and Abadiano.
