Gilas Pilipinas finds a new gem in Paul Lee

Paul Lee. PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Of the three new additions to the Gilas-Pilipinas national pool, Paul Lee was the most impressive.

“I thought Paul Lee looked pretty good playing for them,” multi-titled PBA coach Tim Cone said Sunday night, moments after giving the Nationals the workout they needed in a 101-93 loss during the PBA All-Star Game at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The game marked yet another instance when the league put national interest in the forefront, giving the Gilas squad a chance to work out against a tough opponent.

Lee’s numbers during the Annual Classic were not that special, but Cone knows what he’s talking about, having handled several national teams before and knowing what kind of player it takes to make a difference internationally.

“He broke down our defense quite easily a number of times out there tonight,” Cone added. “He was really an impact player.”

Lee was added into the pool together with Rain or Shine teammate Beau Belga and Meralco’s Jared Dillinger last month, marking the first time that the former University of the East Red Warrior will be joining the Gilas program.

Lee, who won the PBA Rookie of the Year two seasons ago, repeatedly snubbed calls for national duty while he was in the amateur ranks where he could have been part of the original Gilas program that produced the likes of Marcio Lassiter, JV Casio, etc.

“I am thankful for his kind words,” Lee said after learning of Cone’s comments.

“It’s a big boost to my confidence, hearing something like that coming from a multi-titled coach.”

Lee’s inclusion into the pool has actually sparked a lot of talk as to who—if ever—he will be replacing in the original 12-man roster that won the silver medal in the Fiba-Asia Championship last August that made the Philippines eligible to play in the World Cup once again.

Jason Castro, LA Tenorio and former PBA MVP Jimmy Alapag are the ones manning the point for the Philippines, with the 6-foot-5 Gabe Norwood occasionally playing the position depending on how big the opposition in.

Inserting Lee into the final lineup would mean that one of them would have to go, unless, of course, coach Chot Reyes decides to convert Lee for the World Cup and the Asian Games by making him a shooter.

Should that happen, the spots of Gary David, Larry Fonacier, Norwood and Jeff Chan could be taken up by Lee.

Reyes had said before—during the time when Greg Slaughter and Lassiter begged off for not wanting to take anyone’s spot away—that everyone in the team knew that they would have to make a sacrifice.

And if it’s for flag and country, the original 12 will surely not mind sacrificing some more, for they have done so ever since they were formed more than two years ago.