Paul Zamar didn’t think he would be this blessed two months after his contract wasn’t extended by NorthPort in the PBA. Now he signed a new contract with Blackwater and welcomed a third child.
Two months ago, Paul Zamar found himself without a PBA team after NorthPort let him go at the end of his contract.
His career in limbo, Zamar even mulled over hanging up his shoes after seven years and three championships.
“Ako din na-shock dun sa nangyari with Northport, sinabi sakin na 'di na ako i-renew the day before mag-expire contract ko,” he said.
“We tried to reach out months, weeks even days before mag-expire contract ko but sabi pag-uusapan pa daw nila. But everything is behind me na and that’s water under the bridge."
Then came an offer to call the shots for United World College of South East Asia in Singapore through former UP player and coach Nestor David.
It could have been a perfect situation for Zamar, who is turning 38 in October, save for one reason: He didn’t want to leave his family behind.
Turning it down was an easy decision.
“I almost gave up on my career as a basketball player, nung time na nag-expire contract ko with NP may offer sa'kin to coach in a British international school in Singapore na maganda ang compensation, pero ang catch is ako lang mag-isa and I have to leave my family behind,” he said.
“Although it’s enticing financially, 'di pwedeng iwan ang family ko especially my wife is about to give birth soon. So I let it go, I just focused on my continuous rehab and court activities so when I get the opportunity, I’ll be ready.”
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So he stayed on and let God did wonders.
Not long after, he got a call from Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy asking him to join the Bossing for the upcoming 50th season of the PBA.
Zamar made his PBA debut with Blackwater in 2018 after a stellar stint with Mono Vampire in the ASEAN Basketball League.
According to the soft-spoken guard, Sy told him he needed a veteran presence to take his team to another level after watching the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals where seasoned players like point guard Chris Ross made a world of difference for eventual champion San Miguel.
“Fast forward July 30, I was at a kid’s party, Boss Dioceldo called me and said that after watching the Finals he was convinced that he needs a veteran for his young team and he plans to sign me,” he said.
“So everything happened so fast, I found myself back with the team that gave me my first opportunity to play in the PBA.”
Two months after almost quitting and letting God’s plans unfold, Zamar — on top of signing a new lease on life in the PBA — is a happy father who welcomed his third child, Joanna Lois, on August 16.
“Sobrang amazed ako on how God worked in ways I couldn’t imagine. I still did my part in getting back in shape but this was God’s work in my life,” he said.
“I couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity. So ayun ang naging roller coaster ko for the last two months since I was let go by NP.”