CHICAGO - Dating back to his college years at the University of the East and his multiple overseas stints with the ABL, Paul Zamar had always been a hard worker, more efficient than termites.
When he tore his ACL in practice last August 6, the intrepid 5-foot-10, 175-lb. guard dealt with the adversity with the same zeal and commitment that shaped him as a pro..
Soon after renowned orthopedic surgeon George Canlas repaired the high-grade tear on his left knee, Zamar went on an intensive rehab regimen of five to six hours a day, five times a week.
READ Paul Zamar let go by Northport after recovering from ACL injury
The hard work and dedication paid off.
Originally diagnosed to return to play in 12 months, Zamar was cleared to return to basketball last Wednesday, three months ahead of schedule.
EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER.
But his ecstacy turned into agony in a matter of hours. After Canlas gave him the green light to resume practice, Zamar was informed through his agent Ed Ponceja that his contract, which expires on Saturday (May 31), won't be renewed.
The business of sports is cold, indifferent. We all know that and I have no issues with it.
But why didn't anyone NorthPort from management, hello team manager Pido Jarencio, give Zamar a call?
It's called courtesy. Common touch if you want to dig deeper into human feelings.
When Converge traded Jordan Heading two days ago, he was told of the news by no less than the team owner. It's obvious, as if we don't know it already, which organization is being run more professionally.
BAD TIMING,
His sudden unemployment status couldn't have come at a worse time. Paul and his lovely wife Jane are expecting a child this August. But he harbors no ill will.
"Walang bitterness po on my part," he told me in a telephone interview on Friday night. He is grateful to NorthPort, which continued paying his salary throughout rehab, and thankful to coach Bonnie Tan whom he describes as "super bait."
As he plows toward what lies ahead, he can't thank the heavens enough for a seven-year PBA career that started in 2018 and had stops at Blackwater and San Miguel, his favorite team growing up.
I don't know how fertile the free agent market is for a 37-year old guard but I pray that a team signs Zamar, a veteran with tremendous work ethic and exceptional locker room presence. And yes, he can still play.
When young stars leave the PBA for greener pastures overseas, it becomes an indictment against greed and loyalty. But when a player gets old and hurt, they get cut quietly,
Paul Zamar's exit at NorthPort is a cautionary PBA tale.
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