Lee relishes opportunity as mentor to Ahanmisis

NOT long ago, veteran guard Paul Lee has acted as mentor to Maverick Ahanmisi, an American born Filipino-Nigerian who was selected third overall pick by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft.

Together, they won a championship playing for the Elasto Painters in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup.

Six years after, another Ahanmisi — rookie Jerrick Ahanmisi — is taking center stage and Lee, now the premier guard playing for the Magnolia Hotshots, will once again serve as mentor to the young player.

Jerrick was selected 10th overall in this year’s Rookie Draft and made his debut for the Hotshots on Saturday night where he hit a triple.

Lee identified the differences of the Ahanmisis, both of whom he described as good players.

“Maverick was more of a point guard. When we were together with Rain or Shine, Coach Yeng Guiao wanted him to become a versatile guard. That’s the system of Coach Yeng. He wants his players to be multiskilled,” Lee told The Manila Times in a telephone interview.

“Jerrick, on the other hand, is more of a two guard and a shooter. But he has good potential and we can see he has the range. But he can also carry the ball, so he has a dual purpose on the team.”

But for Lee, he believes Jerrick should envision the values brought by the old Purefoods franchise — on and off the court — and that is to serve as a role model to its fans.

“Even during the time of Boss Kap Alvin Patrimonio as a player, Purefoods players are regarded as role models on and off the court. Jerrick, being one of the young players, should value that as he would cater to the young fans who are looking for role models inside and outside the court,” added Lee.

Lee and Ahanmisi are expected to provide the outside shooting needed by the Hotshots, who debuted with an 80-73 triumph over the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters on Saturday.