Bacchus rookie Lee is PBL’s best player

MANILA, Philippines – History was made in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) on Saturday when Bacchus Energy’s Paul Lee became the first rookie to win the best player of the conference (BPC) award. Lee, 19 emerged as the top scorer in the PG Flex Linoleum Cup after the double-round elimination and also figured well in other statistical departments to solidify his status as the season-opening conference’s best cager. Lee’s leadership inside the court helped Bacchus nearly reach the finals as the Energy Warriors almost eliminated Magnolia Purewater in their semifinals series before losing to the Wizards in five games. He was the overwhelming choice among members of the print and broadcast media as well as in the PBL commissioner’s office. PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad handed the award prior to the start of Game Three between Harbour Centre and Magnolia at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City. “I’m happy to receive this award but I did not expect it considering there are so many tough guys out there," said Lee, who was picked seventh in first round of the rookie draft. “I’m going to cherish this because this is my first major award in my basketball career." “He’s just a rookie but he created so much impact this conference," said Trinidad. Lee bested Harbour’s Reed Juntilla and Rico Maierhofer, Magnolia’s Neil Rañeses, Hapee Toothpaste’s Jervy Cruz and Pharex’s Chris Ross. “I was motivated to play harder because coach Lawrence (Chongson) told me that being a rookie is not a reason for not being able to play in the PBL," said Lee, who averaged 15.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game. – GMANews.TV