Lee defends Gilas pullout

Star Hotshots guard Paul Lee defended his decision to pull out of the Gilas Pilipinas training pool despite seeing action in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, saying his top priority is to give his troublesome left knee some rest before he can fully commit to the national cause.

Lee was criticized on social media when he suited up for the Hotshots in Wednesday’s 101-82 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters despite begging off from the Gilas pool because of his injury. He was later replaced by teammate Allein Maliksi.

“Yun yung mga hindi nakakaintindi (sa sitwasyon), hindi naman natin sila mapi-please,” Lee said. “It’s about time na rin para kay Allein (Maon liksi to be part of Gilas)… I’m very happy for him.”

Lee, who represented the country in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, had been dealing with knee problems since he was still playing for Rain or Shine. He had Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP process several times – a procedure that injected blood to the ligament for faster healing to repair tear on both the lateral meniscus and Iliotibial band (ITB) tendon.

The former University of the East star was included in the 12 PBA players selected by coach Chot Reyes last January, but Star’s grueling semifinal series with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the Philippine Cup prompted management to keep Lee with the team so as not to aggravate the injury.

But Lee stressed that he’s ready to once again don the national team colors, as long as he is in 100 percent condition.

“Kung may chance at 100 percent tayo, bakit hindi,” said Lee.

The 6-foot-1 Lee finished with two points on 1-of-9 shooting from the field, including 0-of-5 from three-point range, with seven rebounds and three assists on nearly 28 minutes of action as Star dealt Phoenix another lopsided defeat.

“Kailangan ko pa makuha timing ko,” said Lee.