May 24, 2016
Countdown to Manila OQT: 43 days
Paul Lee confirmed after Gilas Pilipinas’ Tuesday practice that he will be out of the national team pool to recover from a recurring injury.
The Rain or Shine guard, who recently coveted the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP trophy, said he will need five to six weeks of therapy and recovery for his injured left knee.
“Nasabi ko na yung situation ko, tinanong (ni coach Tab Baldwin) kung out daw ba ako, sabi ko yes. Mag-i-skip ako sa buong Gilas. Sinabi ko na rin sa buong team para kahit papano alam na rin nila at makapag-prepare sila ng maayos,” Lee said.
“Tinanong ko, medyo matagal pa rin gumaling yun, so kailangan lang i-session ulit tsaka pahinga talaga. Kaya nag-fufluids daw is dahil may punit pa rin yung tuhod ko.”
Lee added he has been experiencing pain since the start of the Commissioner’s Cup playoffs, but played through it.
“Start pa lang ng playoffs, nagpa-check ako sa doctor. Sinabi ko agad kay coach Yeng (Guiao), halos kami lang dalawa nakakaalam nito, minanage naman niya playing time ko,” Lee said.
Lee felt disappointed to miss another chance to play for the country, but added healing from the injury is likewise important.
“Malungkot para sa akin, lalo na dito gagawin sa Pilipinas yung laro. Medyo masakit para sa akin na mag-skip ako ngayon, pero wala tayong magagawa,” he said. “Kailangan ko rin talaga i-pahinga ‘to. Kapag hindi, mas maraming masasagasaan, madadamay pa yung next conferences.”
Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin said Lee’s absence hurts the team as he is an asset, but added adversity is normal and the team should move on.
“That’s reality. It happens every single year. It is part of professional sports, and there is nothing you can do. We just wish him the best and we hope he gets back to full health,” Baldwin said.
“As for Gilas, we move on.”
Sharpshooter Jeff Chan, meanwhile, who attended practice to observe, shared he is doubtful but is not yet officially out of the Gilas pool.
Jeff Chan (Photo courtesy of PBA Images)
“Hindi pa naman out, pero hopeful ako,” Chan said.
Baldwin also said forward Calvin Abueva shall return to Gilas practice tomorrow.
“He had a personal issue last night, he informed me. But we expect his energy tomorrow,” Baldwin said.
