ALL that Paul Zamar wanted was to play in all three conferences of the PBA as it celebrates its 50th anniversary season.
But his wish went unanswered after Blackwater didn’t renew his contract for the season-ending Governors' Cup.
And he’s aware time is ticking away with the final conference for the year set to get underway less than three weeks away from now.
READ Paul Zamar again finds a way to be relevant in PBA 'last hurrah'
“Naumpisahan ko na 'yung dalawang conferences ng PBA, so gusto ko tapusin ito sana. Yun ang priority ko ngayon. Kung may chance, tuloy pa'rin." Zamar said.
"Pero hindi ko naman sinasara lahat ng opportunities sa kahit saang basketball teams."
Zamar, 38, is not the only casualty in the reorganization Blackwater is undertaking in head coach Pat Aquino’s first full conference for the franchise.
Also let go were young big man Clifford Jopia, veteran Bradwyn Guinto, and rookie guard Camillus Altamirano.
Of the four, Zamar had the most impressive showing in the Commissioner’s Cup where he emerged with numbers of 9.2 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists under Aquino and former coach Jeff Cariaso.
It was to his surprise though when he was no longer offered a new contract.
But what saddened him was not being informed that he’ll eventually be let go just three weeks before the new conference starts.
Zamar still showed up to Blackwater practices despite his contract already expired at end of the second conference.
“Tinatanong ko kasi 'yung status ko, wala naman silang mabigay na clear answer. Nagre-request na lang ako na bitawan na lang nila ako habang maaga pa lang,” he recalled.
“Kung sinabi sana nila ng mas maaga, tanggap ko naman. Walang problema yun.”
Now he’s in a bind looking for teams which still have an open spot for another point guard considering the conference starts on July 10.
“Medyo late na, e. Nag-start ng mag-practice yung mga teams. Baka naka fill-up na rin sila ng mga roster spots,” said the son of coach and UE great Boyzie Zamar.
“Mahirap pero hindi pa rin ako sumusuko. Kung may chance tuloy pa rin,” he said. “Pero hindi ko naman sinasara lahat ng opportunities kahit anong basketball teams.”
Zamar was originally drafted Barangay Ginebra in 2012, but failed to sign with the organization. He later played two years in the Thailand Basketball League before coming back home and signed with Blackwater.
The veteran playmaker later suited up for San Miguel where he won three championships, and NorthPort (now Titan Ultra).
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