Yeng Guiao defends Paul Lee from bashers after another injury scare

AS Paul Lee came under fire from fans after enduring another injury scare in Game One of Magnolia’s PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup semifinal playoff against Phoenix, his former coach Yeng Guiao was quick to leap to his defense.

“Walang player ang gustong ma-injure at walang player ang gustong ma-sideline lalo na sa mga importanteng laro,” Guiao said shortly after Lee suffered what seemed to be an ankle sprain that put to doubt his availability for the game.

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Although Paul Lee returned to finish the game for the Hotshots, the longtime Magnolia star came under heavy criticism from fans who question his fitness and ability to stay healthy for important games.

Guiao, who drafted Lee at third overall for Rain or Shine in the 2011 PBA draft, said he has seen the former UE star work hard to improve his fitness over the years.

“Kilala ko yang si Paul. Madisiplina sa katawan yan, laging nakakundisyon. Lahat ginagawa nyan para makaiwas sa injury,” said the veteran Rain or Shine coach.

“Kaso knowing Paul, alam n’ya na kailangang ibigay nya ang 100 percent effort sa laro lalo na sa mga important games and dun na pumapasok yung risk sa kanya. Risk of getting injured,” he added.

“Yung posisyon at status kasi ni Paul as a player, laging andun eh. Key players like him, mas matindi ang pressure sa kanila. Mas madiin ang depensa, mas maraming minutes lumaro, mas pinipisikal sila ng mga kalaban,” explained Guiao.

Guiao also shared his observations on the evolution of Lee.

“Actually, mas kundisyon, mas magaan ang katawan at mas alaga sa sarili si Paul ngayon kesa nung player ko siya, sa totoo lang,” said Guiao, who despite losing Lee to a shoulder injury was able to lead Rain or Shine past the Bmeg Llamados for the 2012 Commissioner’ Cup championship.

Lee was able to redeem himself to Guiao and the Elasto Painters when he won a Finals MVP award after leading Rain or Shine to the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup title – the last independent team to win one in the PBA.

The title was the last for Guiao and Lee together as the catquick “Angas ng Tondo” was later sent to the Magnolia Star Hotshots in a controversial one-on-one trade with then superstar James Yap.

Guiao bared that there are players who are really prone to injuries, mostly because of their aggressive style of play, and sometimes, due to genetics.

“Minsan kasi sa lahi ‘yan eh. Depende sa make-up ng katawan mo. And yes, it’s the way you play. May style na matakaw sa injury, say for example si Derek Rose,” he said.

“Normal sa player ang nai-injure kaso mas nakakadagdag kapag go hard ka lagi at ikaw ang sentro ng pisikal na depensa. Ganun ang nangyayari kay Paul,” said Guiao.

Still, the seven-time champion coach hopes Lee will continue to realize that he is not getting any younger and that he needs to be more cautious.

“Siguro naman, lately naiintidihan nya na habang you mature, tumatanda ka, the better shape you need to be. Tingin ko naman kundisyon si Paul. Talagang makapit lang sa kanya ang injury,” said Guiao.

“And sabi ko nga, when you play hard. Injury is part of it. You have to accept that,” he added.

Guiao’s words of wisdom

Asked how he feels seeing another barrage of hate comments directed at Lee whenever he gets injured, Guiao has a word of wisdom.

“Paano mo sisisihin ang tao, dahil na-injure? Walang gustong ma-injure. Sisihin natin siya kung wala siya sa kundisyon, di nag-eensayo, overweight at nagpapabaya sa katawan. Kaso never ginawa ni Paul ‘yun,” he said.

“Dapat imbes na magalit tayo suportahan natin, i-encourage natin yung player. Kasi ang isang bagay na ayaw ng player is ma-injure. Naka risk future n’ya, ang livelihood everytime nai-injure and we start with his contract renewal,” said Guiao.

“Again, walang player ang gustong ma-injure!”