Lucero number one in Philippines PBA for round 3

- October 24, 2025

POSTED BY: Eurobasket News

Zavier Lucero

Zavier Lucero

American Forward Zavier Lucero (198-F-1999) put on an extraordinary performance in the last round for second-ranked Magnolia Hotshots, receiving a Hoops Agents Player of the Week award for round 3.
The 26-year old player had a double-double of 23 points and 17 rebounds, while his team beat Titan UGR (#12, 1-2) 127-119. Hotshots was forced-out from the top positions in Filipino PBA. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost that single game earlier this season. Hotshots will need more victories to improve their 2-1 record. In the team's last game Lucero had a remarkable 69.2% from 2-point range. It's his second year at Hotshots and it's hard to imagine this team without him. Former California State University Maritime Academy star has very solid stats this year. Lucero is in league's top in points (6th best: 18.0ppg), rebounds (9th best: 10.0rpg) and averages impressive 1.7bpg and 59.3% FGP.

The second best player in last round's games was young American Joshua Munzon (191-G-1995) of Titan Ultra Giant Risers. Munzon had a very good evening with 28 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists. Bad luck as Titan UGR lost that game 119-127 to Hotshots (2-1). The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Munzon is one of the most experienced players at Titan UGR and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 24.3ppg (#1). His other stats are also decent: 4.3rpg and 4.7apg.

Third on the list of top players last round was American guard Sedrick Barefield (188-G-1996) of Blackwater Bossing (#6). Barefield got into 30-points club by scoring 34 points in the last round. Despite Barefield's great performance the Bossing lost 96-105 to Meralco Bolts (#5, 2-2). But his team cannot count on just a single shooter as he also needs help of the other teammates. The last thing Blackwater needs is to lose another game like this one. They lose more and more distance to the top teams. Their record is 1 victory and 1 lost game. The season just started for Barefield as he played only first game. But it already looks like he can be team's leader.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Japeth Aguilar (206-C-1987) of Ginebra Kings - 17 points and 10 rebounds
5. Regile Ilagan (180-G-1997) of Blackwater - 22 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
6. Ian Paul Sangalang (201-F/C-1991) of Hotshots - 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists
7. Chris Newsome (187-G-1990) of Meralco Bolts - 22 points and 2 assists
8. Andy Barroca (176-PG-1988) of Hotshots - 16 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists
9. Jerrick Balanza (185-G-1996) of Titan UGR - 14 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists
10. Clifford Hodge (196-PF-1988) of Meralco Bolts - 14 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists

The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

The Player of the Week awards are presented by Hoops Agents. Hoops Agents is the most complete website about the agencies and players they represent. With more than twenty years of experience, Hoops Agents is already recognized as the most reliable destination for the players who wish to continue their career in professional basketball and are searching for a reputable and connected representation. Hoops Agents is also most complete source of transactions news.

Tags : ZAVIER LUCERO, MAGNOLIA HOTSHOTS, FILIPINO BASKETBALL,