Zav Lucero is fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals, particularly when it comes to NorthPort’s star player, Arvin Tolentino. However, Lucero is determined to keep his focus on the bigger picture — Magnolia’s momentum as they head into a critical matchup.
Lucero’s primary goal is simple: help Magnolia overcome NorthPort, the top-seeded team in the quarterfinals. Despite his deep knowledge of his former team, Lucero remains grounded, recognizing that his task is to focus solely on basketball, without getting distracted by sentimentality.
A Dominant Win to Secure a Spot
Lucero’s approach was evident after their dominant 112-81 victory over NLEX in the knockout match to secure the eighth spot. Despite the significance of the win, Lucero wasn’t dwelling on past affiliations or emotions. Instead, he remained focused on the upcoming challenge.
“They’re the next team that we gotta win against to be able to move on,” Lucero said confidently after the game. “Nothing extra.”
Magnolia’s performance on the court clearly demonstrated their readiness for the challenges ahead. Lucero’s statement reflected a focused mindset as he prepares for the next hurdle: NorthPort.
A Full-Circle Journey to the Quarterfinals
Lucero’s journey to this point has come full circle. He began his PBA career with NorthPort after being selected fifth overall in the 2023 Rookie Draft. It was a somewhat risky pick by the Batang Pier, as Lucero was still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained during his final year at the University of the Philippines in the UAAP. This injury kept him out for much of his rookie season.
However, Lucero’s time with NorthPort was short-lived. In July, he was traded to Magnolia in exchange for veteran point guard Jio Jalalon and seldom-used forward Abu Tratter. It was a fresh start for Lucero, who is now gearing up for his second-ever quarterfinal appearance — but this time, it’s against the very team that gave him his professional basketball debut.
Keeping It All About Basketball
Despite his history with NorthPort, Lucero insists that there’s no added emotional weight to the upcoming quarterfinal matchup. “We’ve been in, what is that, three do-or-dies now? In a row? Is it four? I don’t even know. But just two do-or-dies to get to the next round, and they’re the next team,” he said, emphasizing the importance of keeping their focus sharp. “So, we gotta prepare the right way,”
Lucero, who contributed 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block in the win against NLEX, is clearly in a zone of focused preparation. With the stakes so high, he knows that the road ahead won’t be easy, but he is determined to approach the game with the right mindset.
The Challenge Ahead: NorthPort’s Strengths
Lucero is under no illusion about the challenges Magnolia will face in the quarterfinals. NorthPort enters the series as the No. 1 seed, armed with a win-once advantage. This makes the task of facing them even more daunting. The Batang Pier is led by the versatile Arvin Tolentino, who’s been a standout in the Best Player of the Conference (BPC) race, as well as Kadeem Jack, a dominant import who’s a strong contender for Best Import honors. Additionally, Joshua Munzon has been playing some of the best basketball of his career, adding to the team’s already formidable offensive and defensive weapons.
“Tolentino is a problem,” Lucero admits. “He’s a problem, their import’s a problem, Josh has been playing amazing this conference.
“So, we got our hands full. for sure. There’s a reason why they’re the no. 1 seed. And it’s not just those three guys, they’re getting it from everywhere,” he added.
Lucero’s candid acknowledgment of NorthPort’s strengths reflects the challenge Magnolia is up against. However, it also shows the respect Lucero has for his former teammates and their capabilities.
Leveraging Familiarity and Momentum
While Magnolia faces a tough task, Lucero is confident that his deep understanding of his former team will give the Hotshots an advantage. Having spent time with NorthPort, Lucero knows their style of play, their strengths, and their weaknesses. This familiarity could be a key factor in helping Magnolia formulate the right strategy to disrupt NorthPort’s rhythm.
Furthermore, Lucero believes in the current form of the Hotshots. With a four-game winning streak behind them, they’re coming into this quarterfinal series with confidence and momentum on their side. “No one knows better than me in what those guys can do,” Lucero says of his former teammates. “It’s all respect to them but, you know, we have a pretty good team, too, and we’re playing our best basketball right now, so we just have to keep rolling.”
A Confident Mindset Moving Forward
Lucero’s confidence isn’t just about his knowledge of NorthPort; it’s also about the belief he has in his own team. Magnolia may be facing a tough opponent in the top-seeded Batang Pier, but Lucero’s confidence and focus provide a glimpse into the Hotshots’ mindset heading into the quarterfinals.
As the series against NorthPort begins this Wednesday, Lucero and his teammates will have to be at their best to overcome a team that has been one of the most consistent performers of the conference. But if there’s one thing Lucero has shown, it’s that he is ready for the challenge ahead — and nothing will distract him from achieving his goal: advancing to the next round.
Read: OKBet – Asia’s Trusted Sports Betting & Online Casino Platform
Pingback: Magnolia Dominates NLEX to Secure Final PBA Playoff Spot - iGaming Philippines