Happy Birthday, Richard Yee ( June 29 )

Happy Birthday, Richard Yee

Source : Assorted Magazines (PBA Archives Collections)

1999 PBA Rookie Draft 5th overall pick
12-season PBA veteran 
2x PBA champion
UST Growling Tiger forward

RICHARD YEE

AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 6' 4"

SCHOOL: University of Santo Tomas
ATTRIBUTES: Chinky Eyes, Fair Complexion
HOBBIES: Hang-outs, Swimming
An injury forced him into a oneyear hiatus from competitive basketball. And now, he's back with a vengeance. He believes 1998 will be his banner year . "Maraming nasayang. I could have been in the national team if not for the injury," said Richard. "But looking at the positive side, there's not much I should regret about it. In fact, I gained a lot from it." The hiatus turned out a good learning process. It gave him much time to watch other basketball games where he picked up new techniques he has now incorporated in his plays. "The vacation has enriched me as far as skills and techniques are concerned. Before kasi, self-focused lang ako. Yun pala, marami pa akong puwedeng matutunan." Moreover, it drove his spirit yearning to get back into action. "Modesty aside, I know I'm better than them and they're now up there. I'm happy for them and they inspired me to get back into action as soon as possible," said Richard. At a young age of 17, he already impressed Sta. Lucia team manager Buddy Encarnacion during a provincial game between Sta. Lucia and Yee's Iloilo selection. It was Encarnacion who lured him to try his luck in Manila. It was an offer he couldn't refuse and he eventually came to the Big City to play for Otto Shoes and the UST Tigers. He got good reviews then. He's been a part of UST's championship streak for three years. Until he incurred a disappointing injury while playing for Oriental Battery that took him to the sidelines. "Todo bigay kasi ako kung maglaro. That time, I'm playing almost 40 minutes every game. I believe I've matured. Medyo kontrolado na ang gigil ko. At saka mas ginagamit ko ang utak ngayon, hindi lang pasok nang pasok," he said. Slowly, he's getting the confidence of Wilkins coach Jimmy Martirez and is earning considerable quality playing time with the team. "Ang sabi lang sa akin ni coach ay magtrabaho ako nang husto. And that's what I'm doing. I'm happy that he's giving me more playing time now," Richard related. With the response of coach (Martirez), mas lalo ko pang paghuhusayan. I have a feeling this will be my banner year. At sana nga, makarating ang Wilkins sa finals this conference."