Zavier Lucero relishes final UAAP moment: 'One I'll remember for the rest of my life'

He may have been injured in his last game in the UAAP, but Zavier Lucero still played his heart out for the University of the Philippines.

Lucero, who injured his knee during Game 2 of the best-of-three finals series, was called to shoot the Fighting Maroons' final free throw in 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 forward sank the free throw, but the Blue Eagles won the game, 75-68, and claimed the UAAP Season 85 men's basketball crown.

Lucero said he was just happy to enter the court for the final time.

"I was just happy to step on the court one more time," he said during the post-game conference.

"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 career has come to a close, Lucero said playing for UP for two seasons was a wonderful experience.

"Coming into this, I had no idea that it would be this type of experience," said Lucero, who was 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 in the past two seasons would not have been complete without 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 said.

After his surgery, Lucero said he will still prove his worth as a player wherever he may 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 said. —VBL, GMA Integrated News