Lee wants to don Gilas colors anew

MANILA (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - Paul Dalistan Lee wants another chance to represent the Philippines. That much is true, especially after the top tier Filipino guard explicitly expressed his openness to return to national team duty as the team embarks on a slew of crucial campaigns this year.

"If I'm given the chance, I'm okay to play," he said in a recent interview with local media.

Lee first played for the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Cup 2014, where his three free throws with no time left gifted Gilas with a podium finish at the expense of hosts China. He also saw action in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 in Spain and the Asian Games 2014 in Incheon, Korea. A variety of injuries, however, sidelined Lee from the FIBA Asia Championship 2015 and FIBA OQT 2016.

The 1.82m guard is considered one of the craftiest scorers in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), and he is one of the fan favorites in the basketball-mad country.

He is aware of the peculiar agreement between the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the PBA to have just one player per club lent to the Gilas Pilipinas pool in addition to the 12 cadets who have been automatically included.

Lee is part of the Star Hotshots together with former Gilas teammate Marc Pingris. It is expected that returning national team coach Chot Reyes will choose just one player from the Hotshots, and chances are he will pick among Lee, Pingris and another former Gilas standout, Mark Barroca.

Despite his personal desire to play on the international stage again, Lee is aware that he may not get the call-up this time. Still, he remains hopeful.

"It's okay because at least there will be one player from each PBA team - that's a lot already," he said. "That's already a big help."

Like Lee, other PBA pros have openly said they are willing to play for Gilas, including rookie guard Jonathan Grey of the Meralco Bolts and former national team energizer Calvin Abueva of the Alaska Aces.

At 27 years old, Lee is just entering the prime form of his career, and he has always been a great fit for coach Chot's small ball, dribble drive system. It remains to be seen, though, if that will be enough for him to be given another shot with Gilas Pilipinas.

FIBA