PAUL Lee finally rediscovered his touch on Wednesday night, coming off the bench to score 25 points in 26 minutes in Magnolia's 111-89 win over TNT KaTropa in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
For the heady guard out of University of the East, it all started with a change of mindset.
“Maybe it’s my night tonight. I just kept aggressive. I tried to go to the free throw line para easy two points. Everyone played well. We committed sa game plan ni coach Chito (Victolero),” said Lee.
“Siguro maganda lang yung preparation namin. Feeling ko, na-relax na yung bawat isa sa amin,” he added.
Asked about their struggles over the past three games, Lee admitted to having a tough time adjusting to different imports. Their current import, Justin Jackson, is their third in five games after original choice Vernon Macklin left for China and replacement Curtis Kelly didn’t pan out.
“Mahirap din talaga, ayaw naman natin gawing excuses yung import, pero mahirap naman talaga yun. Galing kami kay Vernon, tapos kay Curtis Kelly tapos ito ngayon si Justin Jackson naman. Kailangan talaga ng enough time para makilala namin yung isa’t isa. Malaking bagay yung chemistry dito,” Lee said.
However, Lee is optimistic that Jackson is the right guy for them entering the homestretch of the elimination round where they’re currently in a share of fifth place with GlobalPort on 4-4 records.
Jackson vindicated himself with an impressive performance across the board, finishing with 18 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. But more than that, it was Jackson’s attitude that gotLee’s approval.
“Okay naman siya. Mabait 'yung tao, walang attitude. For me yun ang number one na tinitingnan ko. Yung aggressiveness niya andun both sides so okay naman talaga.”