(CNN Philippines) — Prior to the 40th season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Paul Lee and the Elasto Painters almost parted ways.
But Lee and the Rain or Shine management agreed to give it one more shot, and the result has been beneficial for both camps.
The Elasto Painters just clinched the first finals berth in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup with the prolific point guard leading the way.
In fact, Lee is a strong candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award.
“It’s a validation of the decisions that were made by the management to retain Paul and to keep our faith in him despite the things that have happened,” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao on the heels of the team’s Game 3 victory over the Meralco Bolts Tuesday (April 7).
Related: Rain or Shine clinches first finals berth with sweep of Meralco
“Alam naman nating nagkaroon ng kaunting mga obstacles to the final completion of the negotiations with his contract, but after a while everything fell into place.”
Lee averaged 16.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists heading into the playoffs. In the semifinal series opposite Meralco, he normed 20 points.
His consistent display of his offensive repertoire and leadership can be attributed the “peace of mind” he got after inking a contract renewal with the team, according to the outspoken mentor.
“The way he’s playing now I think is a result of the fact na wala ng mga siyang mga inaalala na mga insecurities o mga decisions he has to make,” he said.
“When he made that final decision to stay, na-settle na lahat ‘yun. He has that peace of mind, he’s in better shape now.”
Lee couldn’t agree more.
“Simula nung pumirma ako uli rito sa Rain or Shine, binuhos ko buong loob ko. Talagang gusto ko rin ipakita na nasa Rain or Shine puso ko kasi dito ako pumirma e. Gusto ko rin suklian yung tiwala ni coach Yeng,” he said.
But he deflected sole credit for the team’s “improvement” in the mid-season conference.
“Hindi ko team ‘to, or ni Jeff (Chan), (Beau) Belga, or Gabe (Norwood). Walang superstar dito,” he said. “Sa team namin equal lahat.”
