Magnolia guard Paul Lee during the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup bubble. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines — Not even the COVID-19 pandemic could stop Paul Lee from staying in top shape during the extended PBA offseason.
Ever since the pandemic began last year, Lee has lived a healthy lifestyle that has led to a dramatic weight loss.
“I’ve been eating more of the healthy foods. I don’t eat as much anymore,” said Lee, who also found a perfect daily workout buddy in his wife Rubie, in Filipino on the PBA website.
PBA teams are still not allowed to hold practices, which include the regular individual workouts with the National Capital Region-Plus placed under modified enhanced community quarantine until May 14.
But the limitations did not prevent Lee from sticking to his healthy routine.
The Magnolia Hotshots star’s hard work and dedication had already paid off during last season’s bubble where he averaged close to 20 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 43 percent from long distance.
“It feels good because I saw the result last bubble. My body recovers faster and my body doesn’t hurt as much anymore that’s why I need to sustain what I’ve been doing,” said Lee, who has lost about 30 pounds and now weighs around 190 to 193 pounds.
The 32-year-old guard is also upbeat about the Hotshots’ chances for next season especially with the acquisition of do-it-all forward Calvin Abueva.
“With our lineup, we have a chance to be contenders for a championship,” he said. “But it’s still up to us on how we’re going to execute every game.”
“No matter what you say, every team, even those who have been playing together for so long, still encounter chemistry problems. So we can’t really tell until we start playing.”