Magnolia, Lucero agree to two-year deal
Magnolia assured itself of having arguably its best player when LA Tenorio launched into his debut season as coach after the Hotshots and Zavier Lucero agreed on an extension.
Lucero signed a two-year contract when the two parties met on Saturday before the Hotshots held practice in preparation for next month’s 50th season opener.
The incoming third-year forward was accompanied by his agent Marvin Espiritu when he inked on the dotted line in the presence of Tenorio and team manager Alvin Patrimonio, a photo of which the Hotshots shared on their social media accounts.
“All glory to God!! Let’s get it @magnoliahotshots,” Lucero said on his Instagram.
There have been whispers that Lucero may entertain the chance of playing overseas after his maiden campaign with Magnolia that saw him average 14.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 blocks in 39 games across three conferences.
He was the league’s second-best shot blocker behind TNT center Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser’s 1.9 blocks, albeit in just 17 games, while his scoring output was tops among Hotshots locals.
That is why keeping Lucero, who they acquired from NorthPort in last year’s offseason, will be crucial for Magnolia’s quest to do well under Tenorio, who was tapped to turn the franchise’s fortunes after nine seasons with Chito Victolero.
The Hotshots recently acquired Javi Gomez de Liaño from the Terrafirma Dyip and subsequently agreed on a three-year deal while also picking up Paolo Taha as an unrestricted free agent.
Last Sunday saw Magnolia select San Beda’s Yukien Andrada with the sixth overall pick in the Rookie Draft, but the young stretch big will only join the team after his final season for the Red Lions in the NCAA.
