ROOKIE sensation Paul Lee of Rain or Shine is starting this conference much in the same way he started the season as he pushed the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to a share of the solo lead in the standings, on his way to garnering the Player of the Week honors for the period of May 20 to 27 in the ongoing PBA Governors Cup.
Lee, the second pick overall, averaged 17.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in their wins over Alaska and the recent Commissioner’s Cup champions B-Meg Derby Ace. Those numbers belie the fact that Lee is just 23-years old, playing a tested veteran in a conference stacked with imports his size.
“He has taken it upon himself to assume the mantle of leadership in this team and he has so far proven himself,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao of the 6-foot-1 guard. “What makes him more amazing is the fact he has risen to the challenge despite his relatively young age.”
In a 107-100 triumph over the Aces on opening day, Lee ably backed up import Jamelle Cornley and Jeffrei Chan by coming off the bench and scattering 17 points anchored on a very efficient 6-for-8 field shooting.
He is equally comfortable as a starter and proved this with another 17-point game against the Llamados, including 14 in the last two quarters and overtime of a 100-94 win last Friday.
That latest performance prompted the scribes to choose Lee over Petron’s Alex Cabagnot, who was equally impressive with 16.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists in the Boosters’ wins over Powerade and Meralco. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio