NOW that he has made his intention known to re-sign with Rain or Shine, Paul Lee said he hopes his agent Lawrence Chongson and team management can sort out his new contract at the soonest possible time.
The free-agent guard ended weeks apart from the only team he has played for in three seasons as a pro by having a heart-to-heart talk with Yeng Guiao where both coach and player made it clear where their hearts belong.
“Sinabi naman ni coach Yeng (Guiao) na gusto niya talaga ako ma-retain, and gusto ko din naman mag-stay,” Lee said after appearing in the team’s Tuesday morning practice at the Nega gym in San Juan.
“At least, sa aming dalawa (Guiao), okay na. Kailangan na lang mag-usap ng agent ko and management ng Rain or Shine para matapos na ito,” added the former PBA Rookie of the Year.
[See Yeng Guiao says Paul Lee ready to sign new deal with Rain or Shine after heart-to-heart talk]
Lee, whose original three-year contract with Rain or Shine expired at the end of the month, is hopeful he could sign his new Rain or Shine contract before Gilas Pilipinas leaves this Saturday for the Incheon Asian Games.
“No timetable naman pero sana as soon as possible. Kailangan ng maayos ito (contract) kasi paalis na yung Gilas next week eh,” said the explosive guard out of the University of the East.
The 25-year-old Lee said despite the seeming media war between Chongson and Guiao the past few weeks, he’s just happy with the fact that nothing has changed as far as his relationship with the team is concerned.
“Wala namang nagbago (sa treatment sa akin). Nung dumating ako sa ensayo, ganun pa din naman naging trato sa akin ni coach, saka ng mga teammates ko, na mga kengkoy pa din,” he said.
Lee, the second overall pick in the 2011 draft, averaged 12.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season, helping the Elasto Painters to a pair of runner-up finishes in the Philippine Cup and the Governors Cup.
[See Paul Lee's Asiad stint with Gilas 'non-negotiable,' says agent]
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