Lee eyes season debut in semis should RoS hurdle TnT

MANILA, Philippines -- With the goal of seeing action in the semifinal phase, Rain or Shine combo guard Paul Lee is religiously putting on the work in the gym as he tries to get back into game shape.

The six-foot guard out of the University of the East said there’s no more pain in his left knee since he underwent a Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP procedure to repair a partial tear on the lateral meniscus and ITB (Iliotibial Band) tendon over a month ago.

“Ngayon wala na (pain in left knee). Pakiramdam ko lang, weak lang ang left leg ko kasi matagal hindi nag-function kasi lumiit yung hita ko. Kailangan ihabol lang sa right leg ko para bumalik sa dati,” Lee said, following Rain or Shine’s 95-90 win over Blackwater to move to the next phase of the quarterfinals against Talk ‘N Text.

Over the past weeks, the “Lee-thal Weapon” said he has been doing shooting drills and light workout as part of his road to recovery.

“May mga shooting drills and some workout na akong ginagawa, pero wala lang akong live contact na ginagawa sa team,” he explained.

In the absence of Lee, sophomore guard Jericho Cruz has ably stepped up the plate after averaging 13.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

Fil-Nigerian rookie Maverick Ahanmishi, meanwhile, helps man the point guard spot with solid all-around stats line of 8.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest.

Though Rain or Shine is now in the second phase of the quarterfinals, Lee reminded his teammates to step up their level of play, stressing that Talk ‘N Text is loaded and dangerous.

“Kailangan namin mag-prepare against Talk ‘N Text. Hindi puwedeng ganito laro namin,” referring to his team’s lethargic second-half play before hacking out the five-point win over the Elite.

“Teamwork lang and play better defense kasi ang TNT, lahat gumagawa sa kanila. Kailangan namin gawin yun para makuha namin yung panalo,” he added.

Rain or Shine fell to Talk ‘N Text, 85-95 in their lone elimination round match this season.