PAUL Zamar is the perfect example of the next man up for San Miguel.
Following the exit of high-scoring guard Terrence Romeo to a foot injury, Zamar stepped in and contributed any which way he can in the Beermen's 110-80 rout of Phoenix Fuel Masters that clinched for them a quarterfinals berth in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The 33-year-old Zamar didn't produce Romeo-like numbers, but was good enough to help steady a San Miguel backcourt that just lost its top scorer to another injury.
Coach Leo Austria was happy to see the way Zamar performed, considering he's hardly being given the minutes in a crowded San Miguel position that has the likes of Romeo, Chris Ross, and the injured Alex Cabagnot as the main options.
"It's really hard sometimes because we have Chris Ross and Terrence at the backcourt, so nasa-sacrifice. But I keep on looking at him and motivating him in practice, and I saw him really working hard, that's why my confidence in him ay nandoon pa rin," said Austria.
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"It's just a matter of time. There's an opportunity to come just like today at nag step-up siya."
Zamar finished with five points, three rebounds, and two assists in more than 21 minutes of play in San Miguel's sixth win in nine outings.
And there could be more opportunities to come for the former University of the East standout especially if Romeo misses San Miguel's next few games and Cabagnot continuing to recover from a torn meniscus injury.
But even in the absence of playing time, Zamar still provides a positive vibes at the San Miguel bench, which what Austria likes about the veteran guard.
"He supports the team with a lot of energy, and makikita naman natin na fit na fit pa rin siya sa team (namin)," said the San Miguel coach. (RG)
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