If it worked for Damian Lillard, maybe it could for him, too.
Paul Lee is adopting the laid-back approach that the NBA star took as he defends his Three-Point Shootout title in the PBA Bacolod All-Star 2024.
“Siguro gagawin ko lang ‘yung ginawa ni Lillard — pumunta lang doon, and nag-compete,” said the Magnolia star.
“‘Di ko pe-pressure ‘yung sarili ko.”
Lee was referring to the statements made by the Milwaukee Bucks guard ahead of his Three-Point title defense bid in the NBA All-Star 2024 last February.
Lillard said that he did not prepare for the shootout, eventually becoming just the seventh player to win the contest in back-to-back fashion.
View this post on Instagram
“I didn’t prepare at all, I think that’s the key to it.
“I think that’s what’s gonna be best because when you’re practicing all that, you’re just constantly thinking about it,” added Lillard.
Now, Lee is trying to adopt that exact same mentality in an attempt to lord over the Three-Point Shootout for the second time in a row.
“Kasi kung nag-work sa kanya, malay natin baka mag-work din sa atin na, alam mo ‘yun, just go out there and compete lang,” he said.
So relaxed has been Lee that he chooses not to take a look at this year’s participants who are all looking to oust him from the throne.
“Wala akong idea kung ano,” he admitted.
“Pero siguro mas OK na rin ‘yung wala akong idea. Kasi baka mamaya ‘pag nakita ko ‘yung mga participant, baka dagdag pressure pa sa akin,” he added.
Out to give Lee a run for their money are two-time winner James Yap and other stars Marcio Lassiter, Maverick Ahanmisi, Arvin Tolentino, and Calvin Oftana.
Young guns Alec Stockton, Chris Newsome, Tyler Tio, Andrei Caracut, Javi Gomez de Liano, and Robbie Herndon are all gunning for the throne, too.
Lee will definitely have himself a tough contest ahead but the 35-year-old is nonetheless excited for the March 23-24 extravaganza in the City of Smiles.
“Very thankful and grateful,” he said.
“Happy na maging part ulit ng All-Star. Alam naman natin na once a year lang ‘yan so sobrang swerte natin kapag naging part tayo niyan. Very happy.”
Lee will also be playing in the All-Star Game as part of Team Japeth Aguilar and his upcoming appearance is another testament to his hard work, he believes.
“It’s a sign of hard work,” said the 2023 All-Star Game MVP, who shot seven four-pointers for 32 points to lead Team Japeth past Team Scottie, 140-136.
“Up to now hindi pa rin nagbabago ‘yung fire ko, nandun pa rin. So i think isa sa mga sign ng hard work ‘yung ganyan, kasi naa-appreciate ka pa rin ng tao.
“Kasi, nakakakuha ka pa rin ng votes sa kanila eh,” continued the 13-year veteran. “So I think tama naman ‘yung ginagawa ko.”
