Jeff Cariaso sees veteran Paul Zamar as key addition to Blackwater

Veteran shooting guard Paul Zamar came close to walking away from basketball just two months ago. At 37, his career in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) seemed to stall after NorthPort Batang Pier opted not to renew his contract at the end of last season.

However, he got a second shot at the PBA after recently signing a new contract with the Blackwater Bossing, persuaded by franchise owner Dioceldo Sy, who offered him a roster spot.

Blackwater head coach Jeff Cariaso welcomed the addition of Zamar, saying that the veteran brings valuable experience and leadership to a youth-centric team and could help elevate them in the upcoming PBA Season 50.

“THERE’S VALUE TO PLAYERS WITH EXPERIENCE.”

Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso sees Paul Zamar as key piece in the Bossing’s PBA Season 50 campaign.

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“There is always room for a veteran on a team, especially if he has had low mileage in his career recently,” Cariaso said in a media interaction.

What prompted Dioceldo Sy to sign Zamar was the impact of veteran players he witnessed during the PBA Philippine Cup Finals between the San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang Giga.

“What Boss Dioceldo Sy saw in the Finals is absolutely true. There is value in players with experience. We are hoping Paul comes in motivated to play and, of course, to share the knowledge he has gained over the years with his younger teammates,” he added.

Drafted 35th overall by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in 2012, Zamar has carved out a respectable career in the PBA. He is a three-time champion and was honored with the 2024 PBA Sportsmanship Award. 

The veteran shooter returns to a franchise he first suited up for in 2018; before that, he also played overseas in Thailand with Mono Thewphaingarm and Mono Vampire. Now back with Blackwater, the veteran guard is determined to make the most of his second lease on his basketball career.

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