by Waylon Galvez
Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok guard Paul Lee is having one of his memorable vacations, a much-needed one after a tough Finals series in the PBA Philippine Cup last week.
Lee left for Tokyo with his family for Tokyo, Japan last Friday, two days after playing Game 7 of the all-Filipino finals opposite San Miguel Beer.
Magnolia lost to SMB, 72-71, denying Lee again on his bid to capture a PBA Philippine Cup title. However, that didn't stop the veteran guard to enjoy life outside of basketball.
Paul Lee of the Magnolia Hotshots (MB photo | Kevin Espiritu)
“We already made plans even before the Philippine Cup Finals series,” said Lee said in a text message to The Bulletin.
“That’s why win or lose, we’re going on a quick vacation. We're excited, and all happy because this is our first time with our baby Tokyo,” said Lee, referring to the couple's seven-month-old baby.
According to Lee, this is their fourth time to visit Tokyo, a place the Lee couple consider their favorite that’s why they named their daughter after the capital of Japan.
“All the good memories we celebrated here, like when we were boyfriend and girlfriend, we celebrated our 10th year anniversary here, and that was my first time in Japan,” said Lee.
“And obviously, we named our baby Tokyo not only because this our favorite destination, but she is made in Tokyo since this is where we had our honeymoon,” he added.
The veteran guard of Magnolia said the week-long vacation is also time for him to refresh after the grueling PBA PH Cup finals, where he averaged 13.48 points, 5.04 rebounds, and 3.22 assists.
He also logged in more than 26 minutes in the seven-game series, including 35 minutes in Game 7 – the most Lee played that saw Magnolia nearly stun SMB in the do-or-die.
“This is a good chance for me to recover, and I’m happy spending time with my family. I can reflect and have my mind set again for another shot at a title as we prepare for the second conference,” said Lee.
The Lee family is returning home Friday.
Magnolia, which will have former Columbian Dyip reinforcement John Fields as import, will have its debut in the Commissioner’s Cup on June 5 when it plays the Alaska Aces at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.