He could have been injured in his final recreation within the UAAP, however Zavier Lucero nonetheless performed his coronary heart out for the University of the Philippines.
Lucero, who injured his knee throughout Game 2 of the best-of-three finals sequence, was known as to shoot the Fighting Maroons’ last free throw within the dying seconds of Game 3 on Monday after Ateneo de Manila University was assessed a technical foul for improper bench decorum.
The Filipino-American ahead sank the free throw, however the Blue Eagles gained the sport, 75-68, and claimed the UAAP Season 85 males’s basketball crown.
Lucero stated he was simply blissful to enter the courtroom for the ultimate time.
“I was just happy to step on the court one more time,” he stated throughout the post-game convention.
“The plan was whether we’re going to win or we’re going to lose, I did want to check in for one last time and just to hear the support from the crowd and the UP community warmed my heart. That’s something I would remember for the rest of my life, too,” he added.
“I’m just glad I made it.”
Now that his collegiate profession has come to an in depth, Lucero stated enjoying for UP for 2 seasons was a beautiful expertise.
“Coming into this, I had no idea that it would be this type of experience,” stated Lucero, who was a part of the Season 84 squad that ended UP’s 36-year title drought.
“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.”
For UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde, the Fighting Maroons’ journey prior to now two seasons wouldn’t have been full with out Lucero.
“For me, sa game ang impact niya is whether he scores big or not, talagang nakita mo, one of his strong points is how he works hard. Sa rebound, keeping the ball alive, giving a chance pa rin sa team,” Monteverde stated.
After his surgical procedure, Lucero stated he’ll nonetheless show his price as a participant wherever he could land.
“Proving is not anything new to me. I’ll get well and then, put me in some teams, then I’ll prove it again. Whoever it is, just give me a chance and I’ll do the rest,” he stated. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
