Paul Lee felt like he has rediscovered the fountain of youth Wednesday night. Injury-free for the first time in a long while, the Magnolia Hotshots guard was firing on all cylinders and led his team to an auspicious start in the PBA Philippine Cup.
“Parang feeling ko kaka-graduate ko lang ng college. Parang bumalik yung dati kong groove,” said Lee after scoring 30 points in the Hotshots’ 108-95 victory over the Alaska Aces at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Lee went 11-of-14 from the field highlighted by six three-pointers in perhaps one of his best-shooting games since entering the league in 2011.
At 28 years old, the former University of the East still has his best years ahead but the last three seasons have been tough.
The previous season has been a disappointment for Lee when he reinjured his left knee during the Governors’ Cup semifinals against Meralco.
He underwent multiple Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) procedures since his time with Rain or Shine in hopes of giving his knee a quick recovery.
While there were moments of brilliance such as his Finals Most Valuable Player performance for the Elasto Painters in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup, Lee’s knee continued to get hurt.
This offseason, Lee opted to underwent surgery and had therapy in the weeks that followed. Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said Lee only practiced just three times before facing Alaska.
