Zavier Lucero felt conflicted as he stepped onto the Smart Araneta Coliseum’s sacred grounds on Friday night.

At the same location on December 14, 2022, Lucero drove early in the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Finals, something he used to do frequently.

However, he was unable to achieve a good plan prior to liftoff, and he quickly fell to the ground.

It was decided that he would suffer a left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which would keep him out of the winner-take-all match a few days later and out of action for an extended amount of time.

Four hundred forty-three days later, he went back to the exact location where his biggest heartbreak had occurred.

He was wearing the red of Northport instead of the University of the Philippines’ maroon.

The 6-foot-7 winger, who was selected with the fifth overall choice in the 2023 PBA Draft, stated that playing basketball again feels good. 

He signed a two-year contract with the Batang Pier just last week, after his return to the nation.

Lucero, on the other hand, revealed that he made sure to put in some work throughout his extended vacation in order to get ready for his professional future.

One minute remained in the first period when Lucero entered the game. He was able to record a block a few seconds later, which was his first-ever PBA stat.

In 31 minutes of play, Lucero finished with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
Not too terrible for someone who had not been back for over a year.
Even though NLEX caused them to suffer a devastating defeat of 107–100, Lucero is appreciative to Bonnie Tan and the entire Northport team for their trust.

After all, for this fledgling crop of Batang Pier, this is just the beginning.

Now that the first game of his new chapter is over, Lucero is eager for more.
Prioritizing his work, he is aware that he still needs to demonstrate his worth to those who have been waiting a long time for him.