Paul Zamar meant business, but was nonetheless happy to see his brothers again when NorthPort faced San Miguel in Wednesday’s PBA Governors’ Cup.
“Very cordial naman,” he said when asked how the catching-up was pregame. “Kasi may kasabihan nga, ‘Once a Beerman, always a Beerman.’
“The friendship and the brotherhood stays there. Pero when it comes sa court, magkalaban kayo, trabaho muna,” he added.
It was the first time he met his former team since being traded to the Batang Pier back in January, marking the end of his time with the Beermen that spanned three years and saw him win all three of his league titles.
“Namiss ko silang lahat, sa totoo lang,” he said. “Pero siyempre, professional tayo. Wala munang kai-kaibigan sa court. Pero na-enjoy ko ‘yung every single second na nilaro ko sa loob, kasi nakakapag-compete ako sa kanila.”
Zamar did perform against SMB, pouring 14 points on a 6-of-10 clip from the field, alongside four rebounds, an assist, and a block in 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, NorthPort lost, 145-132. Worse, it dropped to 0-6, remaining the only team yet to win in the season-ending conference.
Still, Zamar has no regrets whatsoever despite falling short, keeping his head up high as he was proud of the way the entire crew battled.
“There’s no regret,” said the 35-year-old veteran moments after the match at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. “Nakita ko naman ‘yung effort ng bawat isa.
“Too much firepower lang talaga, San Miguel firepower. Kapag nakipagsabayan ka sa kanila sa firepower, you’re not gonna win [against] them.”
And despite the defeat, Zamar was actually relieved to have played that well, and only hopes that he could sustain as much moving forward.
It was only the second time that he scored in double figures with his new team, or since having 15 versus NLEX last January 28 in their third game together.
“I’m just relieved right now kasi parang dalawang games pa lang nilalaro ko na maayos. I’m relieved. Sana, maging consistent,” he said.
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
