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| Former Australian league champ Marcus Lee will try to add a PBA title to his portfolio. NBL (file photo) |
MANILA--Riding off the wave of a title-clinching Philippine Cup run, the San Miguel Beermen are looking to sustain their winning ways in the PBA’s golden season by signing veteran big man Marcus Lee to further strengthen their already dominating interior bannered by reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo.
Having attended the University of Kentucky, in which his teammates included current NBA cagers Julius Randle, Devin Booker, and Karl Anthony-Towns, and later with the University of California for college, the 6’11 California native has been around the international pro circuit following the conclusion of his varsity stint in 2018.
Committing to the Sioux Falls Skyforce to jumpstart his professional career, Lee played two seasons for the G League squad that included a career-best game against the Long Island Nets on Feb. 10, 2020 (Philippine Time).
Lee helped the Skyforce to a 116-106 victory, grabbing 17 boards and blocking 8 shots, both career highs, while adding 14 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals to the mix.
After his tenure with Sioux Falls following the 2019-20 season, in which he averaged 10.9 markers, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 42 contests, Lee saw action in commercial leagues in Italy, Puerto Rico, Australia, and Spain.
It was in the Land Down Under where Lee had his first championship as a professional through a National Basketball League (NBL) crown with the Tasmania Jack Jumpers in the 2023- 2024 season.
This was Lee’s second NBL assignment after his league debut in 2022-23 with Melbourne United.
Playing in 28 games during the Jack Jumpers’ title run, Lee posted numbers of 6.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
Although Lee missed the remainder of the NBL Finals following an injury sustained in Game 3, Tasmania would go on to capture its maiden championship with a 3-2 series win over United.
Lee would also suit up for another tour of duty with Melbourne and later with the Cairns Taipans after his stay in Tasmania.
In his recent assignment before heading over to the Beermen’s camp, the 31-year-old averaged 6.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 33 games for the Taipans during the 2025-26 season.
With Lee on the roster, this will allow some level of flexibility for San Miguel’s big men, especially Fajardo, to manage their minutes and energy on both ends of the floor.
This will also enable the league’s best player to be on the court during the endgame, ensuring that interior scoring will be present for the Beermen in the crucial moments, should it be needed.
