Paul Lee cleared to play vs Angola

MANILA, Philippines – After missing two straight games, Paul Lee got the green light to play Thursday night (Friday morning Manila time) as Gilas Pilipinas tries to snap a four-game losing skid against Angola in Spain.

Lee sat out in Gilas' losses to Ukraine and Euskadi after getting hurt in his lower back down to his hamstring (glutes) while playing against Australia.

He participated in Wednesday’s practice and is good to go, according to team manager Aboy Castro.

"Paul practiced last night. [He] will play in tonight's game vs. Angola," Castro told Philstar.com in a text message sent Thursday afternoon.

Lee is the lone player from the additional pool who made it to the final lineup for the FIBA World Cup. He has played solidly since joining the team in the FIBA Asia Cup in Wuhan, China, where he made three pressure-packed free throws with no time left to lift Gilas over host China in the bronze medal game.

"Siyempre kagaya ng ibang nasa lineup bibigay ko lahat para sa bayan," Lee earlier told Philstar.com when he learned that he made the final cut.

A maximum contract awaits the Rain or Shine playmaker once he returns from Spain but first, Lee wants to help Gilas put up a solid showing in the world championships.

"Wala pa isip ko dyan [contract renewal], focus muna ako dito," said Lee regarding the new deal offered by his mother team.