Paul Lee is crossing his fingers that he no longer has to go under the knife as the veteran guard is currently nursing a slight meniscus tear.
The Magnolia gunner is hoping that rehabilitation would be enough for him to recover from the knee injury that has listed him as day-to-day.
“Right now, rehab muna hanggang mabalik ‘yung strength. So hopefully hindi na kailangang operahan, and sana makuha ng rehab,” he told Tiebreaker Times.
“Day to day siya, kasi nag-shut down ‘yung tuhod. Kailangan lang palakasin talaga,” he added.
Lee said as much on Friday night, moments after the Hotshots’ 89-84 win over Terrafirma in a solid bounce-back in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
Magnolia had suffered a disappointing collapse to Barangay Ginebra last Christmas.
The 35-year-old combo guard saw himself reduced to a spectator and he may spend some more time on the sidelines while he continues to heal from the knee problem.
Asked when and where exactly he sustained the injury, Lee admitted he had no idea, and said that he only felt pain after their game against the Kings.
That prompted the 14-year pro to undergo an MRI and scans found a tear, which subsequently led to his relegation to the team’s I/R list.
“Actually ‘di ko rin alam kung saan ko siya nakuha,” he admitted. “After ng game namin nung Christmas, sore knee tapos medyo ang tagal mawala nung sakit.”
“So, medyo nagduda na rin ako. Nagpa-MRI ako so that’s the time na nakita namin na meniscus nga … Meron siyang maliit [na punit].”
The two-time champion can’t help but lament how tough it’s been to get hurt, especially at a time where Magnolia is bidding to keep its conference alive.
But he only focuses on what he can control and that is to recover fully, all while providing support for his Hotshots – albeit from the bench.
“Very challenging pero ‘yun nga, ito ‘yung mga bagay na wala akong control,” said Lee.
“Ang pinaka-control ko lang is ‘yung magpagaling, magpalakas, and mag-cheer sa team habang nasa sideline ako.”
