BY ABBY TORALBA
DESPITE failing to end his UAAP career in a blaze of glory, former University of the Philippines forward Zavier Lucero said that he will carry and cherish his experience in the collegiate ranks wherever he goes.
Lucero, a Fil-Am, played a big role for the Fighting Maroons in their title win in the 84th season and their bridesmaid finish in the recently concluded cage wars against Ateneo. He was a two-and-through player (eligible to play two seasons, taking up masteral course).
“Coming into this, I had no idea that it would be this type of experience,” Lucero, who suffered a partial ACL tear, said last Monday in Game 3 of their title duel
“I wish that it (UAAP) had more recognition around the world because even as a Filipino, I had no idea (before) about it. Had I known earlier, maybe I would have come) out because the environment is just what you don’t see in many places in the world, so I’ll cherish this experience for the rest of my life for sure,” added the Cal Maritime graduate.
In his swan song, Lucero made a surprise appearance to shoot a free throw for UP, with only .7 ticks left after the Blue Eagles committed a technical foul for an improper bench decorum and got cheered and applauded by everyone in the venue as he entered the court.
“I was just happy to be able to step on the court one more time. I didn’t like the way that I thought I was gonna leave things so, the plan was whether we were gonna win or gonna lose, I did wanna check in for one last time and just to hear the support from the crowd and the UP community,” Lucero said.
“It warmed my heart for sure. That’s something I’m gonna remember for the rest of my life too. Yeah, I’m just glad I made it.”
While the Maroons fell short in their drive for a back-to-back, Lucero said he will still hold the relationship and love he received from his team and the Diliman-based community.
“Obviously, my thoughts are (we) came up short of our goal, but it’ll be one that I remember for the rest of my life,” he said. “I made great relationships with the guys here, no matter if we won the championship or not, that’s what I’m gonna hold most dear to my heart, the relationships I’ve made.”
“Obviously, the UP community and all the love I’ve felt out here. It’s not as successful as we wanted, but definitely still a success.”
