Lee not giving up Gilas slot, still mum on ROS

MANILA, Philippines - Paul Lee has hinted he’s not giving up his spot in the Gilas Pilipinas team that competes in the 2014 Asian Games basketball competition set to start Sept. 20 in Incheon, Korea.

Shying away from everybody since their return from the FIBA World Cup, the controversial Rain or Shine stalwart finally announced his comeback on a Twitter message yesterday.

“I’m back,” Lee tweeted a few hours before the Gilas practice at the Meralco Gym in Pasig last night.

“He texted me. He said he’ll be back in practice,” Gilas team manager Aboy Castro told The STAR.

It’s not clear, though, whether he has also decided to rejoin his PBA mother team Rain or Shine.

“I don’t know. We’ll return to practice (today). I don’t know if he’s showing up,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

Lee’s playing contract with the Asian Coating Inc. franchise expired last Aug. 31, and he’s yet to talk to the management or coach Yeng Guiao for any deal.

“Buti pa sa kanila (Gilas) nakipagusap na. Sa amin kahit text wala,” rued Guiao.

“We don’t see any advantage for him in cutting off his communication with us. We have a team, sya wala,” said Guiao. “And he’s tarnishing his image. In what he does, he doesn’t seem in control of himself.”

Before leaving Spain, Lee told Filipino sportswriters he’s talking to his Rain or Shine coach upon his arrival in Manila.

“I haven’t heard from him,” said Guiao.

“I didn’t attempt to call him. His teammates and the coaching staff did, but they didn’t get any response. He’s not talking even to his parents, and I don’t know why,” Guiao added.

Meanwhile, Gilas coach Chot Reyes has said they will take care of Lee if something happens to him while playing with the national team.

Lee promised to be back in practice last night after skipping Gilas’ first workout after the World Cup Saturday also at the Meralco Gym.

On his Twitter account, the Gilas bench chieftain also announced the holding of a national bonfire at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

“Pang Bansang Pasasalamat sa Araneta, Sept 17, 7 p.m. Fireworks, confetti. Celebrasyon. GILAS! Open to the public. Tara! Kita-kits!” Reyes posted on his Twitter account.