Paul Lee hyperextends knee, but thankful it isn’t serious

MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine guard Paul Lee is grateful he was able to walk out of the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, October 21 after he hyperextended his right knee in the second period of their match against the San Miguel Beermen. 

“Na-hyperextend lang,” he said after the Elasto Painters dropped their first game of the 2015 Philippine Cup, 87-79.  

“Hindi lang maganda landing ko. Swerte pa din na hyperextended lang. Na-check na ako ng doctor namin tsaka ng ibang doctor. Hindi naman siguro grabe.” (I just hyperextended it. I just landed badly. I’m still lucky I just hyperextended it. Our team doctor as well as another doctor checked it already. It doesn’t seem like it’s too bad.)

The 6-foot-1 Lee went up for a one-hander at the 11:13 mark of the second frame, with Rain or Shine down by 18-28, but landed badly on his right knee. He had to be carried off the court by his teammates. 

“Pag land ko tumama lang ako sa tuhod ni Chris Ross and pagbagsak ko yung tuhod ko naka-straight,” Lee explained. 

“Una kong naisip na parang tinamaan yung patella ko sa harap pero wala naman akong narinig na tumunog or something so nagpapasalamat pa din ako na ganon lang nangyari sa akin.”

(When I landed I hit Chris Ross’ knee and my knee was also straight when I hit the ground. At first I thought I probably hit my patella but I didn’t hear a pop so I’m still thankful that’s all that happened.) 

Lee never returned to the game as he watched his team play catch-up and fall short in the end. 

He had 3 points, two rebounds, and an assist in more than 5 minutes on the floor. 

“Sinusubukan ko (bumalik) pero walang lakas. Wala din chance. Mahihirapan din ako kapag nilaro ko.” (I tried to play again but I had no strength. No chance. It might get worse if I forced it.) 

The 25-year old, who just re-signed with Rain or Shine for a two-year max contract in the off-season after lengthy negotiations, was able to breathe a sigh of relief that his injury wasn’t something that would sideline him for long.

He said his doctors will check on him again on Wednesday, October 22. It is uncertain whether or not he will play on Friday, October 24 against Blackwater Elite.

“May pain lang pag na-straight so iniiwasan ko lang mag-straight,” he said. “Titignan ko bukas. Siyempre di mo pa ganon nararamdaman. (Titignan ko) kung anong sasabihin ng doctor.” (There’s pain when I straighten my knee so I avoid that. We’ll see tomorrow. Of course I won’t really feel it yet. I’ll see what the doctor will say.) 

Lee barely had time to recuperate as he is coming off his international stint with national team Gilas Pilipinas, where he played through injuries, including a plantar fasciitis on both feet.  

He played in the FIBA Asia Cup, the FIBA World Cup, and the Asian Games, which ended late in September. – Rappler.com