Long wait over for Lee, fans with 1st title for Magnolia

Paul Lee is now a champion with the Purefoods franchise. PBA Media Group

By Ivan Saldajeno

ANTIPOLO--When Magnolia and Rain Or Shine pulled off the James Yap-Paul Lee trade in 2016, many fans, especially those of Lee, wondered if he can duplicate what Yap did to the Purefoods franchise.

"Lahat ng tao ‘yun ‘yung tinitingnan eh. Simula nung na-trade ako dito na kapalit si Kuya James, yun yung tinitingnan ng tao na kung makapagchampion ako dito sa franchise ng Purefoods/Magnolia," said Lee, a former two-time champ with the Elasto Painters.

After a 102-86 Game 6 win by the Hotshots against the Alaska Aces in the PBA Governors' Cup Finals at the Ynares Center on Wednesday night, the "yes" finally came.

"At least, nagawa namin," continued Lee.

The championship made sure his Best Player of the Conference award will not go to waste.

"Nanalo ako ng BPC [at] nanalo ng championship. so napakagandang taon para sa akin na sobrang na-blessed ako ngayong taon na ito," Lee further said.

Coupled by a return to Gilas Pilipinas and becoming a new father, 2018 was a year of blessings for Lee.

“Sana huwag matapos ‘yung blessings. I’m just very happy right now – wala na akong masabi, talagang sobrang na-blessed ako this year,” Lee concluded.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno