Commissioner’s Cup Recruits arriving en-mass for PBA Season 50
Jan 28, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans forward Chimezie Metu (4) guards California Golden Bears forward Marcus Lee (24) in the second half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
San Miguel Beer has made a significant move in their quest for back-to-back championships, officially signing Marcus Lee as their import for the Commissioner’s Cup. The 6-foot-11 forward arrived in the country on Monday, joining a Beermen squad fresh from their successful Philippine Cup title defense.
Team manager Gee Abanilla confirmed the signing to SPIN.ph, stating: « Yes, he is. Dumating na siya kaninang umaga. » Lee’s arrival coincided perfectly with San Miguel’s return to practice following their championship celebration, as they prepare for the second conference of Season 50.
A towering frontcourt combination
The 31-year-old Lee brings impressive credentials to Manila, having played three seasons at the University of Kentucky alongside future Karl Anthony Towns, Julius Randle, Trey Lyles, and Willie Cauley-Stein. He completed his collegiate career at the University of California before going undrafted in the NBA in 2018.
Lee’s professional journey has taken him across multiple continents, with stints in the G League and overseas leagues in Italy, Turkey, Puerto Rico, Spain, Australia, and Poland. Most recently, he suited up for the Cairns Taipans in Australia’s NBL before joining the Beermen.
His arrival creates an imposing frontcourt partnership with nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, giving San Miguel a significant size advantage as they aim to capture their first Commissioner’s Cup title since Season 48, when they featured Bennie Boatwright as their import.
Commissioner’s Cup preparations intensify
Lee joins a growing list of imports who have arrived for the mid-season conference, which tips off on March 11. The Commissioner’s Cup field is nearly complete, with notable additions including former NBA player Bol Bol for TNT, Converge’s 7-foot Kylor Kelley, and returning favorite Justin Brownlee for Barangay Ginebra.
Guest team Macau Black Bears has announced they will parade 7-foot-6 Sam Deguara and PBA veteran Tony Mitchell, though league rules permit guest teams to utilize only one import at a time. Only Titan Ultra remains without an announced import for the upcoming tournament.
San Miguel enters the Commissioner’s Cup with momentum from their Philippine Cup triumph, having defeated TNT Tropang Giga in six games. With Lee’s size and international experience complementing their championship core, the Beermen appear well-positioned for another strong campaign in Season 50’s second conference.
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