Marvin Lee went undrafted in 2019, but four years later, he’s knocking on the doors of the PBA again.
The 5-foot-8 guard from the University of Santo Tomas is now part of San Miguel’s On Tour lineup and has been performing solidly off the bench.
Lee credits the Beermen’s elite guards for guiding him in the preseason matches. Currently, he is averaging 8.3 points on 50 percent shooting from beyond the arc on 4.3 attempts, along with 2.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in six outings.
Jericho Cruz and Terrence Romeo have been playing exceptionally well for San Miguel during the On Tour games, and CJ Perez, despite not being able to suit up due to Gilas Pilipinas commitments, has also been helping Lee.
“Sobrang thankful ako kasi sila yung mga kasama ko dito naglalaro sa PBA on Tour. Marami silang naituturo sa akin, marami silang experience na dapat ko pang malaman dito sa paglalaro ng basketball,” said Lee on Sunday after San Miguel absorbed a tough 111-113 defeat to Converge in overtime.
“Sila na yung kuya ko dito so kung ano lang yung sabihin nila sinusunod ko. Syempre sila yan eh, abang lang ako dito,” he added.
(C) PBA Images
Lee is determined not to let this chance of getting into the PBA once the regular season starts in October slip away. He is leaving everything on the floor, as he showed in their game against the Fiberxers.
After playing only eight minutes in the first half, Lee had to step up when Terrence Romeo injured his hamstring halfway through the second quarter.
Lee proceeded to play nearly the entire second half and overtime, tallying 27 out of the possible 29 minutes. He also made significant contributions in the fourth quarter, scoring seven points that helped the Beermen force an extra period.
He finished with 13 points on 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc, four assists, and three rebounds, all while occasionally stretching out his left shoulder.
“Ginagrab ko lang yung mga opportunity na binibigay sa akin, hindi ko sinasayang. Binibigay ko lang yung best ko, kung anong lumabas sa game ko at least hindi ako magsisisi,” said Lee, who suited up for Manila and Iloilo in the ongoing MPBL season.
“Syempre yun nga isa sa pinakamalakas na team itong San Miguel so sobrang honor sa akin na dito pa ako nakapaglaro kaya hindi ko talaga sinasayang yung mga binibigay na tiwala sa akin nila coach, ng management, lalo ng mga teammates ko.”
Helping Lee adjust easily to the Beermen camp is Jeepy Faundo, his former teammate in UST. They played together in college.
The 6-foot-6 Faundo has been with San Miguel since last year, learning from six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo and Mo Tautuaa. Now, Faundo is guiding Lee and showing him the Beermen culture.
“Kami nandoon pa rin yung chemistry, yung samahan, tulungan pa rin kami sa practice kung anong gagawin,” said Lee of his bond with Faundo.
