GLAD TO BE NO. 1, BUT JOB FAR FROM OVER
Claiming the top spot for the first time since the 2012 Governors’ Cup, Paul Lee sure is delighted with the twice-to-beat incentive nabbed by the Elasto Painters.
“Masaya kami. Yung mga pinaghirapan namin, nagbunga na eh,” he said. “Pero hindi pa natatapos dito. Eliminations pa lang ‘to, di pa kami champion. Dapat lang pagbutihin namin yung ginagawa namin para sa quarterfinals.”
Focused on the path that lies ahead, the Tondo-bred playmaker knows that there are still things Rain or Shine has to improve for them to get their second title.
“Kailangan pa namin i-polish yung offensive plays namin and team defense. Kailangan ready kami kahit sino ang kalaban namin,” he said, as they wait for their pairing in the quarterfinals.
And he credits their stellar ball movement for their success so far this conference.
“Kailangan lang i-continue lang namin yun at hanapin ang open guy. Pag libre naman, nashu-shoot namin eh. Yun ang dapat na hindi mawala sa amin,” said Lee. “Kailangan lang namin i-open yung floor para sa shooters namin. Kailangan lang namin i-take advantage yung binibigay ng depensa.”
A testament to this is their shooting in their game against Kia, where they had 21 assists and 15 three-pointers in the 119-99 victory.
Wayne Chism had six of those treys, showing vast improvement in his outside game.
“Pinaghirapan nya yun. Kita naman na yung tira nya, kuhang kuha nya yung rhythm,” Lee said of their import. “Second time na namin with him, so mas kabisado na namin sya. Mas kundisyon sya compared last time na na-injure sya kahit nakapasok kami ng semis.” (RL)
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