MANILA, Philippines – With his impressive performance from April 9 to 16 in the ongoing Philippine Cup, Zavier Lucero earned his second Player of the Week award, solidifying his status as a rising star in the PBA. As he led the Hotshots to back-to-back wins and kept the team undefeated early in the conference, the Magnolia forward demonstrated both his scoring ability and leadership qualities.

Magnolia’s fourth-quarter surge over Converge on April 9 was largely attributed to Lucero. Nine of the 18 points he scored during the contest came in the last period. His clutch buckets helped Magnolia win 83–71 and broke open a close contest. In addition to his scoring, Lucero made a defensive contribution by grabbing crucial rebounds and blocking shots to stop Converge from rallying.

Days later, in a much-anticipated matchup with San Miguel Beer, Lucero gave yet another spectacular performance. In a fiercely contested game that went into overtime, Lucero performed admirably under duress. With his last 24 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, Magnolia defeated the Beermen 98-95. In the extra period, his ability to score in transition and finish through contact was crucial as the Hotshots maintained their perfect record at 3-0.

This season, Lucero has already won Player of the Week twice. He had previously won the accolade during Magnolia’s late run in the Commissioner’s Cup eliminations, which took place between January 29 and February 2. The former UP Maroon averaged strong stats in efficiency, scoring, and rebounding during that time, helping the Hotshots win important games over Meralco and NLEX.

Lucero, who is currently in his sophomore year, has obviously adapted to the professional level. He can now play a larger role on both ends of the court because of his increased confidence, all-around skill set, and comfort with the team’s system. He is a key player in Magnolia’s effort this season and is no longer just a promising talent.

Lucero’s adaptability is what makes him unique. He can play both forward positions with ease and is 6′ 7″. He has demonstrated the ability to attack the hoop off the dribble, shoot from midrange, and occasionally make three-pointers. He frequently guards several positions on defense, disrupting plays with his speed and length. In addition to his ability to score, he is a well-rounded contributor because of his work on the boards and willingness to put in the grunt work.

Under head coach Chito Victolero, Magnolia places a high importance on defensive vigor, ball movement, and discipline. Lucero is a good fit for this kind. He moves without the ball, knows his spacing, and plays energetic defense. Additionally, he has demonstrated a good mental game, which was particularly noticeable during the close finishes in April. He is able to react to pressure circumstances calmly.

Lucero’s rise was a contributing factor in the Hotshots’ early-season success. Even though the team contains seasoned players like Paul Lee and Calvin Abueva, Lucero’s steady production has kept the team balanced. When the veterans are not playing, his scoring fills in the void, and his defensive efforts energize the club.

Expectations are rising as Magnolia continues to compete in the Philippine Cup. Lucero’s development will be crucial to the team’s goal of making another deep postseason run. He will continue to receive weekly distinctions if he plays at this level, and by the end of the season, he might even be considered for bigger prizes.

Zavier Lucero is demonstrating that he is worthy of being discussed in a league where new talent is rapidly rising to prominence. His back-to-back April performances demonstrate his potential as a PBA star and might serve as a key component of Magnolia’s upcoming championship-caliber roster.

Zavier Lucero has become a key member of the Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup as of April 2025. He shot 56.4% from two-point range, 37.1% from beyond the arc, and 64.7% from the free-throw line while averaging 12.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game over 13 games.

One of Lucero’s most notable games was a 25-point contest versus Phoenix on January 16, 2025, in which he demonstrated his ability to score points. On April 5, 2025, Magnolia defeated Blackwater 106-84, and he led the team with 21 points and seven rebounds.