Philippine Daily Inquirer

LEE SHEDS OFF 20 POUNDS, VOWS HE’S IN BEST SHAPE OF CAREER

- By Cedelf P. Tupas @cedelfptin­q

Magnolia star Paul Lee swears he has never been this fit during the course of his nine-year PBA career.

A crafty and skillful scorer, Lee’s stocky frame has been his trademark for so long, but that could change soon as a leaner and stronger Lee is fully committed to maintainin­g his fitness.

“I think this is the fittest I have ever been since after my collegiate career,” said Lee, the No. 2 pick in the 2011 draft, during the “2OT” podcast last Saturday night.

“I have been conscious with my sleeping time, my food and the way I work out. I balance everything and I work smart.”

Lee has lost almost 20 pounds since the quarantine period in March.

And that augurs well for the Hotshots, who are bidding to dethrone the San Miguel Beermen should the Philippine Cup of the league’s 45th season resume this year.

There’s no doubting Lee’s ability to score, but injuries the past few years have forced the former University of the East gunner to rethink his approach to preparing for battles in the PBA. At the Magnolia camp, he has also seen firsthand how a conscious effort to maintain a better fitness regimen can lead to longer careers like that of veterans PJ Simon and Mark Pingris.

That’s why Lee is determined to stay consistent, knowing that he can make a bigger impact for the Hotshots if he is in prime shape.

Magnolia has lost its only game so far in the Philippine Cup, bowing to San Miguel in the opening game of the season on March 9.

 ?? —PBA PHOTO ?? Paul Lee
—PBA PHOTO Paul Lee

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