Zamar takes rein in SMB squad

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer has tapped assistant coach Boycie Zamar to lead the franchise as it ventures into a new front the PBA 3x3.

Zamar, who joined SMB in 2014 as one of Leo Austria’s deputies, faces the challenge of sustaining the Beermen’s winning tradition in the pro league’s inaugural three-a-side competitions.

“Sa trabaho naman namin as coaches, meron talagang pressure, kahit anong trabaho for that matter (Pressure is part of our job as coaches),” Zamar told The STAR.

The former national team mentor said the first order of business is to form a fighting crew for the 3x3.

“Yung initial goal namin for now is makabuo ng competitive at cohesive na 3x3 team (Our initial goal is to be able to form a competitive and cohesive 3x3 team),” said Zamar.

He declined to name the players set to carry the fight for the Beermen in the standalone tournament, which the PBA is looking to launch a week after the Philippine Cup opening.

PBA teams are currently on a break in practices with the National Capital Region and four nearby provinces under enhanced community quarantine.

“Praying makabalik na sa GCQ para payagan na mag-train ulit ang mga PBA teams, including 3x3 (We hope and pray we revert back to general community quarantine so PBA teams and 3x3 teams can return to training),” said Zamar.

The pro league is bracing for a delay in the planned April 18 kickoff as a result of the surge in new COVID-19 cases. Commissioner Willie Marcial is hoping they can start the All-Filipino by last week of April or first week of May.