Zavier Lucero in no rush to play for NorthPort as he recovers from ACL tear

Incoming PBA rookie Zavier Lucero is not in a rush to see action for NorthPort, which made him the fifth overall pick in the 2023 Rookie Draft last Sunday.

Still recovering from an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear on his knee he sustained in Game 2 of the UAAP men’s finals last December, the former University of the Philippines standout sees the possibility of playing for the Batang Pier in the second conference.

UP’s Zavier Lucero UAAP PHOTO 

“Pretty much, for me, with an injury like this, you see people often rush it and re-injure themselves and I had time to make sure I make this right,” Lucero said during his recent interview with PlayitRight TV, a Youtube Sports channel hosted by Quinito Henson and Dyan Castillejo.

“I make this one time, (because) the plan for me is to not rush, to be 100 percent and hit the ground the running,” he added. “November 5 is too soon, the second conference is for me to suit up.”

“It’s going really well, it’s a long process, it’s been hard at times, almost nine months in process since surgery last January (2023),” explained the UAAP Season 84 Mythical Five member.

“I’ve rehab four or five times a week with my strengths coach and PT (physical therapist). It’s going well, making strides for sure but I’m excited to be able to play again to represent my family,” added Lucero.

In his final year with UP, Lucero, injured and all, was inserted in Game 3 of the title series versus Ateneo with 0.7 seconds left to shoot two free throws in a symbolic gesture.

But before that injury, Lucero played big for the Fighting Maroons in Season 85 after averaging 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game.