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Despite Gilas pool selection, Lee to focus on Star campaign

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--As the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals draw near, Paul Lee turns his focus on Star's bid for the Elite 8 spot.

And he is so keen on it that he is not even thinking about his latest Gilas call-up.


"Medyo malayo pa naman yung sa Gilas saka playoffs ngayon. Wala muna yung isip ko doon," the six-foot combo guard told some reporters on Wednesday following the Hotshots' crucial 111-95 rout of the Blackwater Elite that brought them closer to the next round.


The "Angas ng Tondo", however, clarified, "[I'm] happy [na] binigyan ako ng chance na i-represent na naman yung country."

In fact, he will use the remainder of Star's campaign to show everyone that Coach Chot Reyes made a right move to bring him back to the national pool.

"Kailangan ko pa ring mag-perform para hindi mapahiya yung mga taong nagtiwala sayo sa pagkuha sayo sa Gilas," Lee quipped anew.

On the other hand, the 27-year-old Lee said he understands Reyes' decision to go for a very young lineup with him among the veteran reinforcements.

"Feeling ko hindi lang para ngayon ito. Pang-malayuan talaga yung iniisip ni Coach Chot. Kailangan lang naming maging ready kasi bago na yung mga players ng Gilas," Lee continued.

He also expressed his willingness to mentor the young guns.

"Made-develop din ang mga bata na mga kasama natin ngayon sa Gilas pool. Siguro magbibigay ako ng konting tips, yung mga natutunan ko dati kay Coach Chot," Lee said specifically.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno