After Magnolia’s early exit in the PBA Philippine Cup, veteran guard Paul Lee made it clear that his season is far from over, vowing to come back fully healthy and ready to contribute when the Commissioner’s Cup tips off.
The 36-year-old playmaker was sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury in the Hotshots’ penultimate elimination-round game against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Bahrain. The setback forced Lee to miss Magnolia’s quarterfinal series against TNT Tropang 5G, where the third-seeded Tropang Giga eliminated the sixth-seeded Hotshots, 118–109.
Although Lee was technically reactivated for the playoffs in place of rookie Gab Gomez, league rules prevented him from suiting up right away. Having been previously placed on the injured/reserved list, the University of the East product was required to sit out two games before becoming eligible, effectively ruling him out of the short series.
Rather than dwell on the missed opportunity, Lee is choosing to view the long break between conferences as a blessing. The veteran guard revealed that he has already undergone platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and is focused on completing his recovery program.
“I’m good. Actually, nag-PRP na ako,” Lee shared, adding that the injury was the same hamstring issue that limited his minutes earlier in the All-Filipino Conference.
Lee is confident the problem will be fully resolved in time for the import-laden conference, estimating a recovery window of up to six weeks. He also expressed excitement about finally sharing the backcourt with longtime teammate and Magnolia playing coach LA Tenorio, a pairing fans have yet to see consistently this season.
“Six weeks at the most siya. Yeah, I’ll be playing next conference,” he said.
Despite being hampered by injury, Lee still managed to average 5.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in the Philippine Cup. With rest, treatment, and a full recovery on the horizon, Magnolia will be banking on the seasoned guard to provide leadership and stability when the Commissioner’s Cup begins.
