PBA: Lee vows to get better for new Hotshots team

THE best of Paul Lee is still yet to come.

It might be first-game jitters or unfamiliarity with his new team Star, but either way, Lee was not impressed with himself in his debut game for the Hotshots on opening night of the 2016-17 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup Sunday.

The usually efficient Lee was clearly in adjustment mode as he turned the ball over nine times for Star in the initial game of the 42nd PBA season against defending champion San Miguel.

According to Lee, his lethargic start and handling of the ball were a factor in the Hotshots’ 96-88 loss to the Beermen.

“First time na nangyari sa ‘kin ‘yang ganyan karaming turnovers since college,” said Lee. “Hindi naging maganda inilaro ko.”

The Hotshots, who still had a major run in the second half, led by nine early in the fourth before having a meltdown in the closing minutes to surrender the game. They had 30  turnovers, thereby giving the Beermen a lot of chances to score.

“Medyo nagmadali kami. Kasi nga, new system, new coach and kahit ako bago sa team, so lahat gusto makapagpakita ng maganda at manalo kaya siguro ganoon ‘yung nangyari,” added Lee, who still managed a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Moving forward, Lee is keen on jelling better with his new team and getting more familiarized with the chemistry and system implemented by new Star coach Chito Victolero.

“Kailangan mag-adjust pa rin ako and ‘yung team pero nakita naman namin na may igaganda pa talaga ‘yung laro namin.”

Despite the loss, Star still showed glimpses of brilliance as it  even threatened to take the game away following that torrid run that started in the third period and lasted early in the fourth.