Blackwater's Zamar legitimizes PBA stardom with weekly citation

MANILA, Philippines – Just last May, Paul Zamar realized his dream of playing in the PBA. On Monday, the Blackwater guard got a bonus after being named the Cignal-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of October 1-7 in the 2018 Governors’ Cup.

The son of San Miguel assistant coach Boycie Zamar stood tall this past week after leading the Elite to back-to-back wins over Meralco and Rain or Shine to galvanize the team’s top four bid in the playoffs.

The 30-year-old Zamar averaged 12 points, five rebounds and one assist in the Elite’s last two games to beat teammate Allein Maliksi, Alaska’s Simon Enciso, Chris Banchero and Vic Manuel, Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio and Mark Caguioa, Magnolia’s Paul Lee, Mark Barroca and Ian Sangalang, as well as Columbian big men Sean Anthony and Mo Tautuaa for the weekly citation.

Against Meralco, Zamar fired 10 of his 13 points in the final period, including a crucial block off Anjo Caram’s layup attempt, before capping his heroics with the game-winning three as Blackwater escaped with a 94-91 win last Friday.

The former University of the East star sustained his hot-shooting Sunday night after firing 11 points, grabbing eight boards and issuing an assist as Blackwater shot down winless Rain or Shine, 99-93.

Blackwater currently carries an impressive 6-1 record, its best start ever in PBA franchise history in a seven-game stretch.

Selected in the fourth round (35th overall) of the 2012 PBA Rookie Draft by Ginebra but left unsigned, Zamar worked on his craft after playing in the PBA D-League before playing in the Thailand Super Basketball League.

His TSBL experience eventually paved the way for him to play Mono Vampire, which he helped reach the Finals were they lost to 2018 Asean Basketball League champion San Miguel-Alab Pilipinas.

Blackwater will shoot for a seventh win this Wednesday when the Elite collide with Magnolia at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.