Paul Lee is choosing his battles
Paul Lee was chosen as one of the 25 brave young men for the next journey of Gilas Pilipinas last Sunday. Moreover, the 27-year-old guard will serve as one of the eldest statesmen of the National team that features 13 rookies and a couple of sophomores.
With him being one of the veterans of the team, the five-year league veteran is being looked at to complement the leadership expected of Jayson Castro and Japeth Aguilar.
“Happy and honored na mabigyan ng chance na ma-represent na naman yung country natin,” said the Star Hotshot who was part of the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup team.
“Kung ano yung puwede ko i-contribute, i-contribute ko. Kailangan maging good follower ka, maging good listener ka. Made-develop naman din yan, mga bata din yung kasama natin sa Gilas. May mabibigay [din ako] na tips.”
Gilas Pilipinas 5.0’s first major campaign, the 2017 SEABA Championship, is still months ahead. And right now, even with Gilas is on his mind, the “Angas ng Tondo” is not stressing himself too much as he is focusing on the Star Hotshots’ Philippine Cup campaign.
Currently, the Hotshots are 5-4 in standings. And with just two games remaining in their elimination round schedule, a loss could spell the difference between making it to the next round or an unwanted vacation for Lee.
“Sa ngayon hindi ko muna iniisip [Gilas]. Pero kailangan mag-perform pa din ako dito siyempre [Star],” said Lee, who is averaging 14.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in his first year with Star.
“Kasi kahit papaano tinitignan ka eh, na-select ka sa Gilas. Kailangan mo pa rin mag-perform para hindi mapahiya yung mga taong nagtiwala sayo na kumuha sa ‘yo sa Gilas.”
As we all know, Paul Lee is not one to back out of any battle.
