Magnolia’s Lucero all business vs former team

MANILA, Philippines – After an excellent game against his former team, Magnolia Hotshots forward Zavier Lucero said that facing the NorthPort Batang Pier gave him “no extra motivation." 

Lucero played big in Magnolia’s 105-94 win over the import-less Batang Pier on Wednesday night. 

He had 16 points and 12 rebounds — his first double-double for the Hotshots — against the team that drafted him fifth overall in the 2023 PBA Rookie Draft. 

“I don’t think there was any extra added anything. For me, I approach it the same no matter what game it is,” Lucero told reporters after the win. 

“But it was for sure fun to be on the other side, wearing different colors against guys that I saw every day. But yeah, no added extra motivation,” he added. 

However, he said that he was constantly having “friendly trash talk” with his former teammates. 

“Over the last conference, I was able to get close to some of those guys. Just friendly trash talk is really what it is,” he said. 

“Just jabbing back and forth the whole game. Makes the game a little bit more fun and adds a little bit of competitiveness to it all.”

Lucero, who was traded in the offseason for Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter, was one of three Magnolia players in double digits. 

Glenn Robinson III had 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Paul Lee seconded with 20 markers and 11 dimes. 

“From Day 1, I’ve gotten a lot of support from coach Chito and the staff, obviously my teammates. They’ve put trust in me to come in and play to the best of my abilities and no pressure,” Lucero stressed. 

“I kind of just go out there and play my game and try my best to help the team win. It’s all a blessing.” 

For his part, head coach Chito Victolero said that he also had a moment with Jalalon, a former longtime point guard for Magnolia.

Jalalon had a forgettable five points and five assists, along with three rebounds, on Wednesday. 

“Before the start of the game, we hugged each other. He told me misses me and I told him good luck,” Victolero said. 

“But you know Jio, we’ve been together for eight years, the love and friendship will not leave. I consider him as a brother, a son. I just want to see Jio successful, and you know basketball, it is a small circle.” 

Magnolia is now holding a 3-2 win-loss record, with the NorthPort game their second straight victory. 

The Batang Pier dropped to 2-3.