Paul Lee was rather halfhearted in his celebration of the Star Hotshots’ victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Tuesday night, even if the win meant that he and his team had booked the first semifinal slot of the 2017 Governor’s Cup playoffs.
For the Lethal Weapon, who starred for the Hotshots’ locals with 18 points on 5-of-10 shooting, he doesn’t feel completely euphoric, since he had to defeat NLEX coach Yeng Guiao — his coach for five years with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
“First time mangyari na na-eliminate yung dati kong coach tapos kami yung kalaban. Of course happy, pero parang ‘di ako sanay na ganun,” said Lee after Star’s 89-77 victory at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Dati ‘pag talo siya, sabay kami natatalo.”
Despite the feelings of remorse, the 28-year-old combo guard gave full credit to the exiting Road Warriors, who are now showing flashes of being a formidable squad, all thanks to the multi-titled Guiao’s tutelage.
“Yung NLEX nasa process pa. But probably next season sila na yung team to watch kasi medyo nabubuo na yung lineup nila, yung chemistry andun na,” he said.
“Credit pa rin sa kanila, hats off pa rin, maganda nilaro nila.”
Now, the Hotshots and Lee have their sights all set on the upcoming semifinals. And this time, the team is hard-pressed to get past the said phase — something they had failed to accomplish in the Philippine and Commissioner’s Cups.
“Another opportunity para sa’min. I hope makalusot kami,” wished Lee. “Let’s see kung ano mangyari sa Meralco-Blackwater. Kailangan magprepare. Sana makalusot kami this time. Dalawang semis na kami [talo].
“Yun yung ine-aim namin ngayon, makalusot kami ng semifinals. Pagdating ng Finals, bahala na.”
