Facing former team Blackwater not just another game for Paul Zamar

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MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel’s 93-79 win over Blackwater was just a regular game in the bigger scheme of things in the PBA Philippine Cup, but for Paul Zamar it was more than a simple scheduled match.

Blackwater was the first club Zamar played for after he wasn’t able to cut Barangay Ginebra’s lineup in 2012—the year that he was drafted in the fourth round.

“I felt like I was in a scrimmage because I’ve been with those guys for six to eight months in practices and in games,” said Zamar Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“It’s not that easy letting go of that feeling that you’re still part of that team because you’ve been with them for so long and you’ve made personal attachments with them,” Zamar added who played a shade under 14 minutes and grabbing one rebound.

Zamar was able to become part of the PBA All-Rookie Team with the Elite while averaging 10.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists before he got traded to the Beermen in exchange for a couple of second round picks in 2021 and 2022.

Despite getting drafted in 2012, Zamar couldn’t crack the Ginebra roster and instead chose to play overseas with Mono Vampire in the Asean Basketball League where he made his mark as one of the better guards in the region.

Zamar was stellar for the Vampire averaging 16.1 points, on 36 percent shooting from deep, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists and this play led him to Blackwater five years after getting drafted into the PBA.

He then continued his solid play with the Elite and this prompted San Miguel to acquire him during the offseason.

“For us professionals we have to move on and hopefully this is the part of the process going forward,” said Zamar.