Lee sees NLEX thriving in Guiao’s system in due time

Paul Lee against NLEX defenders. PBA IMAGES

During a timeout in the second quarter, NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao gave his players an earful.

On the opposing bench, Paul Lee could only smile and breathe a sigh of relief.

“Actually, I’m happy that I’m no longer part of those who are being yelled,” Lee said smiling. “I just want to wish them good luck.”

Lee, who played his first six seasons under Guiao with Rain or Shine, said he still finds not being on the same team with his former coach “weird” every now and then.

“When I’m at home and I’m watching their team play I feel weirded out,” Lee said.

But Lee said it’s a different feeling during the game.

“I never looked at him because I need to be focused on the game. We were also playing really well so I didn’t think we still have room for that. What’s more important for me is the win.”

Lee, though, approached Guiao before tipoff to pay his respects.

“I approached him before the game, nag-bless ako sa kanya said ‘good luck.’ It didn’t feel new to me seeing him coaching a different team because it’s been long time since he left Rain or Shine and he already had a few games coaching NLEX.”

The 27-year-old Lee finished with 20 points, five rebounds and seven assists in a 99-75 rout of NLEX.

With new coaches, both Star and NLEX are still figuring out ways to win. But for Lee, it’s only a matter of time before the Road Warriors start playing true to their form.

“They’re getting used to it. We also experienced that before (Rain or Shine). We all know what’s going to happen the moment they get the hang of coach Yeng’s system. I think you know what’s going to happen,” said Lee, who won two championships and had 12 straight playoff appearances with Guiao at Rain or Shine.