IF there’s one person happy to see Jackson Corpuz back and playing in the PBA again, it’s no other than close friend Paul Lee.
The two were reunited on Wednesday albeit on the opposite ends of the floor as Magnolia beat Converge in the opener of the league’s 50th anniversary celebration at the Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum.
READ: Sangalang a headache for Pineda, Converge as Magnolia posts win No. 2
Corpuz was signed as a free agent by the FiberXers at the start of the Philippine Cup after failing to get a contract renewal with Magnolia at the start of Season 49.
Lee welcomed back his former teammate to the league with open arms.
“Masaya ako for him na nakabalik siya sa PBA. Wish him the best and sana healthy siya,” said the veteran Magnolia guard.
Corpuz developed a strong bond with Lee the moment he arrived at Magnolia in 2020 in a trade with Mahindra (now Terrafima) for Aldrech Ramos.
The two became roommates during the Philippine Cup bubble in Clark, Pampanga where the two would usually share a cup of coffee courtesy of Lee’s 'barista' skills.
They played together with the Hotshots for almost five seasons, but never won a championship as Magnolia could only place runner up twice during that run (2021 Philippine Cup and 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup).
During the warm-up, Lee playfully went over Corpuz and exchanged brief pleasantries.
“Fresh start para sa kanya,” said Lee of his friend.
The two didn’t talk when Corpuz was trying to land a spot at Converge, although Lee was aware about the 36-year-old forward trying out with the FiberXers.
It wasn’t until Corpuz was signed to a contract when Lee finally sent him a message.
“Hinintay ko lang yung right timing. Ayaw ko rin siyang ma-jinx,” said Lee. "So nung confirmed na, nag-message ako sa kanya, sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Congrast. Welcome back to the PBA.’"
The 36-year-old product of University of the East admitted feeling a bit down when Jackson wasn’t renewed to a new contract.
“Every time naman na merong players or teammates tayo na hindi nasa-sign up, nakakalungkot siyempre. Pero yun ang kailangan naming i-deal sa trabaho namin,” said Lee.
“Kaya nga sabi ko na ngayong nakabalik na siya, I’m happy for him. Sana magtuluy-tuloy na ito at huwag na niyang bitawan itong opportunity na nakuha niya ulit,” added the Magnolia veteran.
Of course, the friendship had to take a backseat as Lee and the Hotshots beat Corpuz and the FiberXers, 83-71, for their second straight win.
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