Paul Lee, a close buddy, is the only person who is pleased to see Jackson Corpuz back playing in the PBA.

Magnolia defeated Converge in the first game of the league’s 50th-anniversary celebration at the Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum on Wednesday, bringing the two together, albeit on different sides of the court.

After failing to secure a contract extension with Magnolia at the beginning of Season 49, Corpuz was signed as a free agent by the FiberXers at the beginning of the Philippine Cup.

Lee embraced his former teammate’s return to the league.

The seasoned Magnolia guard said. “Masaya ako for him na nakabalik siya sa PBA. Wish him the best and sana healthy siya,”

After Lee joined Magnolia in 2020 in a deal with Mahindra (now Terrafima) for Aldrech Ramos, Corpuz and Lee became close.

In Clark, Pampanga, the two moved in together during the Philippine Cup bubble. Thanks to Lee’s “barista” abilities, they would frequently share a cup of coffee.

Despite playing alongside the Hotshots for nearly five seasons, Magnolia was only able to finish second twice during their span (2021 Philippine Cup and 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup), so they never took home a trophy.

Lee playfully reviewed Corpuz during the warm-up, and they had a little friendly conversation.

“Fresh start para sa kanya,” Lee said.

Lee was aware that the 36-year-old forward was trying out for the FiberXers, but the two did not speak when Corpuz was trying to get a position at Converge.

Lee didn’t send Corpuz a message until he had a contract signed.

The 36-year-old University of the East alumnus acknowledged that he was a little depressed when Jackson’s contract was not extended.

“Every time naman na merong players or teammates tayo na hindi nasa-sign up, nakakalungkot siyempre. Pero yun ang kailangan naming i-deal sa trabaho namin,” Lee added.

Naturally, as Lee and the Hotshots defeated Corpuz and the FiberXers 83-71 for their second consecutive victory, the friendship had to take a backseat.

On the other hand, no additional motion, just more motivation.

In their matchup on Wednesday, which saw Converge lose the Philippine Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum 83-71, Jackson Corpuz acknowledged that he had something to show against Magnolia but maintained that he had no intention of hurting Calvin Abueva.

The tough power forward, eager to perform well as he faced his squad for the first time in nearly five years, rushed up for a quick stab before inadvertently striking Abueva in the face and receiving a flagrant foul call late in the first half.

Corpuz greeted all of his former teammates and coaches prior to the game, but he was unable to speak with Abueva after it.

Corpuz loved his new opportunity to get more playing time in a new squad. He played more than 12 minutes for Converge and finished with three points, four rebounds, one block, and five turnovers against his former side.