PBA: Paul Zamar making most of opportunity with NorthPort

Paul Zamar. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines-Paul Zamar has taken pride in how he has taken advantage of the opportunities he’s had since joining NorthPort at the start of the PBA Governors’ Cup.

The former San Miguel Beer benchwarmer delivered perhaps the best game of his big league career when he scored a personal-best 20 points in beating Rain or Shine, 113-97, that kept NorthPort in contention for a quarterfinals berth.

He can only thank Batang Pier coach Bonnie Tan for not only getting significant playing time, but also the responsibility of being placed as a starter.

“When I was with San Miguel, I would either get spot minutes or I wouldn’t get a chance to play,” Zamar said. “But now I get to play each game and feel motivated to take care of the trust given to me by the coaches and management. I’m glad it showed in today’s game.”

Zamar’s minutes were sparse during his time with San Miguel from 2019 up until this season’s Commissioner’s Cup. He made 47 appearances with an average of 11.5 minutes during that span.

After being traded to NorthPort in exchange for Allyn Bulanadi, Zamar’s exposure increased to 18.5 per contest, resulting in 6.7 points on 41-percent shooting with 1.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists after facing Rain or Shine.

Having a bigger role is no stranger for Zamar, who had a solid role for Blackwater during his maiden PBA campaign in 2018.

That despite Zamar dealing with rough patches at the early stages of his time with the Batang Pier.

“I was still adjusting during the start of the conference, maybe because I was too eager to play,” he said.

“But the coaches told me to settle down and work on my game. Coach Bonnie told me that I can score, but he wants me to facilitate more. And then the offense will just come.”