TEAM Scottie coach Yeng Guiao has reservations on adding the four-pointer in regular games. Having it in All-Star Games was just fine.
“Siguro, for an All-Star Game that’s okay,” Guiao said. “Pero siguro, nawi-wirduhan pa ako kung ilalagay natin iyong mga ganoon (four-pointers and three-point dunk) sa regular game. There are other things we can improve on.”
Guiao’s former prized ward and wedding godson, Paul Lee, dazzled with seven four-pointers, leading Team Japeth to a 140-136 decision over Team Scottie last Sunday night in the PBA All-Star Game at the City of Passi Arena in Passi City, Iloilo.
Lee, a Magnolia star guard, scattered 32 points, to go with seven rebounds and six assists for the Tim Cone-mentored Team Japeth, while Jamie Malonzo chipped in 20 markers and 11 boards.
The 6-foot-2 Lee, who also ruled the Three-Point shootout last Friday, was named All-Star Game MVP worth P30,000– his first in a 13-year pro career since he was tabbed second overall by Guiao and Rain or Shine in 2011.
Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, and Chris Newsome also had 20, 16, and 16 points, respectively for Team Japeth, which bagged P150,000.
Team Japeth skipper Japeth Aguilar sat out the mid-season extravaganza due to an MCL sprain.
Cone gave his charges the license to shoot four-pointers from 27-feet out, according to Lee.
“Before we started, parang sabi nga niya (Cone) ay take advantage lang sa situation na iyon na may four points so iyong may mga kayang gawin daw okay lang naman daw iyon as long as good shots naman and galing sa play,” Lee said. “Bago mag-start talagang prina-practice ko rin siya pero thankful tayo sa mga teammates natin kasi sila iyong naging way bakit dumating sakin iyong bola at bakit nalibre ako.”
Lee’s advise to players who want to extend their range? Practice.
“Hindi siya madali. Kapag three to four days na hindi ko siya ginawa … parang nagba-back to zero siya. Kung may time talaga every day, madaanan ko siya lagi, para iyong rhythm pati iyong muscle memory nandoon pa rin,” he said.
“Kailangan bigyan mo siya ng time. Hindi naman siya parang instant coffee na bukas magagawa mo siya. Kailangan iyong rhythm talaga every day, makuha mo siya. Mas maraming itira, mas okay.”
Kevin Alas carried the fight for Team Scottie with 35 points, while CJ Perez added 26 and eight.
Christian Standhardinger, Calvin Abueva, and Robert Bolick got 22, 15, and 14 markers, respectively for Team Scottie’s finish worth P75,000.
