PAUL Lee has no doubt become the hottest commodity in the free agent market, attracting interest from PBA teams after a splendid season with Rain or Shine and the Gilas Pilipinas national team.
Count San Miguel Beer among those interested.
According to a high-ranking Rain or Shine official, the team has been approached by former San Miguel Corp. sports director Noli Eala to inquire about possible trades during the Elasto Painters' PBA Governors Cup title series against San Mig Super Coffee last month.
“Nilapitan niya (Eala) kami at hinihingi nga si Paul Lee," said the Rain or Shine official who asked not to be named. "Pero sabi namin, hindi namin bibitawan si Paul, bibigyan nga namin ng magandang offer (for renewal).”
Eala used to run the basketball operations of the three teams under the SMC umbrella until he was moved to another position involving the company's infrastructure projects. But the Rain or Shine approach has triggered talk that he may be back in some capacity with the organization.
On the other hand, the interest on Lee is no longer surprising, considering the season the former University of the East star has had with Rain or Shine aside from his heroics in his Gilas debut in the last Fiba Asia Cup in Wuhan, China.
Lee, the second pick overall of the 2011 rookie draft, will be a restricted free agent when his Rain or Shine contract expires on August 31.
Lee's agent, Lawrence Chongson, said the player is due for a big contract.
“Sa batch ng 2011 draft, tingin ko nga mas lamang pa (sa suweldo) kay Paul yung ibang mga nabunot sa kanya sa third, fourth at fifth pick,” said Chongson while rattling off the names of San Miguel Beer players Chris Lutz (third pick), Marcio Lassiter (fourth) and Mark Barroca (fifth).
“Si Paul ba hindi deserving na sumabay sa mga stars ng PBA ngayon in terms of financial remuneration?” added the flamboyant head coach of the PBA D-League team Boracay Rhum.
Asked if a maximum pay will be enough for Lee, Chongson gave a vague but firm response.
“Tinadhana sa kanya 'yan (receive fat paycheck) eh. Tanggalin mo ang right of first refusal na 'yan, Paul can ask for the moon. As manager, obligasyon ko hanapan siya ng magandang deal,” he said.
“May isang buwan kami para ma-solve ang puzzle na 'yan,” added Chongson.
Paul’s mom, Helen Lee, said her son is leaving the negotiations to his agents, who now also involve Edgar Tan and Paula Punla.
“Sa ngayon hinahayaan na lang niya na si coach Lawrence ang makipag-usap sa Rain or Shine,” she said. “Masyado na kasing naging busy sa Gilas si Paul eh.”
Mrs Lee, however, was firm in her belief that her son is very happy to be at Rain or Shine.
“Malaki rin kasi utang na loob ni Paul kay coach Yeng (Guiao), binigyan siya ng pagkakataong ipakita kung ano ang kakayahan niya. Sa Rain or Shine, thankful siya dahil dun talaga gumanda takbo ng career niya sa PBA,” she said.
The proud mom bared how she always remind Lee not to ignore the fact that he is treated as a true family member at Rain or Shine.
“Ako bilang magulang, lagi kong pinapa-alala kay Paul, huwag na huwag niyang tatalikuran basta-basta yung pagmamahal na ibinigay sa kanya ng kanyang mother team,” said Mrs. Lee.
“Yung pagiging as family ng Rain or Shine, naramdaman ko. Lalo na nung naoperahan siya, pagna-iijure siya, 'pag nagkikita-kita kami sa venue, mararamdaman mo yung pagiging family ka. Hindi alintana ang family ka ni ganito o family ka ni ganun, pantay-pantay sa Rain or Shine,” she added.
“Kahit yung tito (Edwin) mo, 'yun din ang gusto sa Rain or Shine eh. Very accommodating at mabait ang mga may-ari at management. Pamilya ang trato sa lahat ng players."
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
