Zamar finally reaches PBA dream, to make debut with Blackwater
MANILA, Philippines – After making remarkable strides overseas, Paul Zamar is taking his talents home.
Zamar, one of the integral cogs of Thailand's Mono Vampire in the Asean Basketball League, is set to make his debut with the Blackwater Elite on Friday night, realizing an aspiration that has eluded him for six years.
"I never expected I would be able to play in the ABL, but since there was an opportunity, I took it. Same here in the PBA, I thought it might be worth a try since it has been my dream to play alongside my idols," Zamar told Philstar.com. "Tatanggihan ko pa ba?"
The 30-year-old guard will be joining an Elite team who will tangle with Barangay Ginebra — a team they beat in the previous conference — in the nightcap of a rare PBA affair at the Alonte Sports Center in Binan, Laguna.
Zamar was sought by the Elite's team governor himself, Siliman Sy, while he was still lending his wares to the Thai club. The former is set to play for Blackwater for the duration of the 43rd PBA season.
"I'm really hoping that I could help the Elite win by applying those I have learned in the ABL--and those I have accumulated over time," he said.
Ironically, the new Elite guard will be taking on the team that left him unsigned during his rookie year. Drafted 35th overall, Zamar struggled to make the Gin Kings lineup then adorned with peak-form Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, and a newly-acquired LA Tenorio.
Though all that are now in the past as Zamar said he is focused on the present — and his team that is looking to arrest at 0-4 skid in the Commissioner's Cup.
"I will give my best effort to in the hope of making a positive impact on the team. Hopefully it will eventually result to wins," Zamar shared.
Asked about what team he is excited to face the most, the scrappy guard said: "San Miguel. They are the strongest team now and they have the best players. Name it, they have it. I want to play against my idol, too, Alex Cabagnot."
Zamar's father Boycie is currently serving as a deputy to Beermen head coach Leo Austria. The father and son's respective teams collide on Blackwater's final elimination game on July 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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