Team transitions are among the most tricky things in sports. Even when the players get along and the roles are planned out well, the shift from one era to another isn’t always smooth. The losses can come in bunches and the questions surrounding the players and the coaching staff become harder to ignore. 

The Magnolia Hotshots did not have the best of starts, losing their first two starts of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup. The rust was evident, but it was also clear that there were growing pains in this current chapter for the Hotshots, as Zavier Lucero was slowly but surely finding his footing as the man for Magnolia. In the last few games, though, Lucero may be finally stamping his class and could very well be helping allay fears that all is not well with the Hotshots. 

The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings continue to work their way back following a championship run in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, but they remain one of the league’s most talented teams. Even with some of their players still recovering from a Gilas Pilipinas stint in the last FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying window, the Gin Kings remained competitive at the start, but Lucero and Magnolia eventually wore them down with a bevy of 3-pointers, putbacks, and sheer relentlessness that was too much for a weary Ginebra squad to overcome. 

Yes, Lucero has been a two-way talent since he entered the PBA and even during his time with the UP Fighting Maroons, but that doesn’t mean there’s no more room to grow. Every move to another league means there’s some need to adapt to the style of play, even if there’s a general trend with regard to Philippine basketball. Slowly but surely, the 27-year old has found ways to adapt and it’s pretty much looking like the league needs to adjust to him. 

A talent like Lucero is one that shouldn’t be wasted and he’ll have no shortage of suitors here and abroad. The Hotshots recently signed him to a two-year extension back in September 2025 and a career-year could make it tougher for Magnolia to keep him, lest they string a few wins and end an eight-year championship drought. Lucero is also being considered for the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, and with the Filipinos in the B.League and KBL in danger of not being allowed to suit up for the Philippines, the opportunities are there for the Filipino-American to showcase his talent and even draw attention from both leagues. 

For now, though, Zavier Lucero is busy trying to bring back the Magnolia Hotshots from the back of the pack in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup. Of course, he’s not doing it alone, but we’re starting to see Lucero take on more and more responsibilities and the results are starting to speak for themselves. Here’s to hoping the Hotshots don’t take him for granted.