San Miguel taps 6-foot-11 Marcus Lee as Commissioner’s Cup import

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The San Miguel Beermen finally revealed their reinforcement for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup after acquiring the services of 6-foot-11 defensive specialist Marcus Lee, as announced Feb. 23, 2026.

Known for an intimidating presence in the paint due to his length and athleticism, Lee will further boost San Miguel’s already talented frontcourt, led by none other than June Mar Fajardo, the PBA’s only nine-time Most Valuable Player (MVP).

When almost every team opted for a stretch big man who can create more space on the floor, the Beermen made a surprising move and went a different route, picking a lane-dominant player who prefers to stay on the block and catch lobs.

Lee is coming off a convincing campaign with the Cairns Taipans in Australia’s National Basketball League, averaging 6.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 33 games.

The rim protector is a proven winner overseas, steering the Tasmania JackJumpers to the 2024 NBL championship title.

Before entering the realm of professional basketball, Lee first turned heads when he became part of the formidable Kentucky Wildcats squad that entered the NCAA tournament at 38–0.

Lee played alongside current NBA stars Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns, who were Kentucky’s 1-2 punch during the 2014–15 NCAA season.

Despite going undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft, Lee was a household name on the overseas scene, rendering his services to different basketball clubs in Italy, Turkey, Puerto Rico, Spain, Poland, and Australia.

Lee joins a list of talented imports in the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup, headed by former NBA player Bol Bol, the son of the late Manute Bol, who signed with the TNT Tropang 5G.

Reinforcements to watch in the import-laced conference are Justin Brownlee, Barangay Ginebra’s resident star, NLEX’s Cady Lalanne, Phoenix’s James Dickey, Magnolia’s Terrell Brown-Soares, and Meralco’s Ismael Romero.