Paul Lee had 28 of his 32 points from beyond 27 feet. —PBA IMAGES
PASSI CITY, ILOILO—Three-point champion Paul Lee has proven himself to be one of the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) premier shooters—regardless of how far the distance is.
It was evident how he won the side event of the PBA All-Star Weekend last Friday, when he knocked down seven shots from over 27 feet worth four points each in a 140-136 Team Japeth win over Team Scottie.
“All can be done through hard work,” Lee told the Inquirer as he earned MVP honors after shooting 32 points in the All-Star Game on Sunday at City of Passi Arena here.
“It’s not like instant coffee that if you can do it today, you can easily do it again tomorrow. You have to be consistent in what you do,” added the Magnolia guard, who is one of a few players who can hit shots from way downtown.
Sunday’s capper to the festivities in this city saw Lee and the rest of the All-Stars attempt at the special four-point line which was placed to add some spice to the exhibition extravaganza.
He made several of them during the first half, including one step-back attempt near the center court logo.
Yeng lukewarm
While it remains a novelty, some can’t help but think if a new line would eventually become a permanent thing in a regular game.
It has been hypothetically thought that the NBA may eventually add another arc with Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard known for hitting long range bombs.
But could the PBA eventually ponder on adding a four-point shot?
Coach Yeng Guiao, who called the shots for Team Scottie, is lukewarm, saying that it would still be better off to be used in games similar to the one played Sunday.
Lee echoed his former Rain or Shine coach’s sentiments.
“I don’t see it happening at this point,” said Lee. “Maybe in the All-Star Game, you can implement it as a special treat for the fans. But I still don’t see it being implemented in a regular game.”
Regardless if there’s an added line or not, Lee will continue to make the shot from deep as one of his main weapons.
A viral social media photo has seen Lee work on those shots with help of personal trainer Nicolo Chua as if it’s like a simple midrange jumper. It has been a habit dating back to his Rain or Shine days, but it is only now that Lee has enough confidence to go for it without fear. INQ