For Paul Zamar, the experience he had in Thailand only made him a better individual both on and off the court.
Zamar’s stint with the Mono Vampire BC has come to a bitter end Wednesday, as they lost to San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ABL Finals. But the Filipino Heritage Import doesn’t let that defeat become the microcosm of his stay there.
“I think it’s from being a boy to a man, playing in the ABL. Hindi lang yung ABL, pati yung TBSL sa Thailand, TBL, naging mama na talaga ako eh. Natuto ako,” reflected Zamar.
“Laki ng naturo sa akin, especially sa pagiging independent.”
The second-generation cager had a remarkable ABL campaign for Mono, especially in the Finals. In the series that went the distance, Zamar was one of the Thai ball club’s consistent scorers as he averaged 16.6 points per game.
With his commendable stint, Zamar wasnoticed by the Blackwater Elite. The franchise has already signed him with the hopes of saving its campaign in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup where they are currently 0-4.
With that, the former University of the East Red Warrior will finally realize his dream of playing in the PBA — he was drafted back in 2012 as the 35th pick by the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, but was left unsigned.
“Magbibigay ako ng positive energy sa kanila,” Zamar said. “Alam kong nasa losing streak ang Blackwater. Nabalitaan ko nagpalit pa sila ng coach and manager. I’m just gonna give my best to them like what I gave to Mono Vampire.
“Hopefully, it translates to wins. Di ko alam. ‘Di rin ako magikero tulad ni coach Bong [Ramos], but I’ll give my best to help the team.”
That, however, doesn’t mean that he’s already closing his doors for Mono.
“Play it by ear na lang,” said the 31-year-old gunslinger, who has become a star in Thailand due to his offensive exploits. “Kung ayaw nila sa akin sa PBA after my contract, babalik ako.
“Gusto ko magchampion ulit sa ABL balang araw.”
