Forget B.League, Bolick has no problem terrorizing opposing PBA teams
In an alternate universe, Robert Bolick will probably still be showing his ability to score in bunches and produce baskets in the clutch in Japan.
But Bolick has no reason to dwell on his current situation, with his spectacular performance helping NLEX produce victories in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.“I don’t regret what I have now,” Bolick told the Inquirer in Filipino after his 21-point effort capped by two big shots on Wednesday sealed the Road Warriors’ 103-97 win over Blackwater that ended the Bossing’s unbeaten start at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
“Now that I’m here with NLEX, I’m going to give my best for the team,” added Bolick after the Road Warriors improved to 4-1 and be in the upper half of the standings going into the long break.
Bolick has not slowed down after a week that saw him score a career-high 46 points and being selected Player of the Week by the PBA Press Corps.
Those two triples inside the final minute allowed the Road Warriors to escape even with coach Frankie Lim out. And that game-saving performance just enhanced his status as one of the PBA’s top draws.
The San Beda product had left the PBA after completing his 2022-23 season with NorthPort, inking a deal to play for the Fukushima Firebonds of Japan’s B.League second division.
But that stint lasted one game as Bolick opted to go back home to make sure his wife Cassandra, who had joined him in Japan, can have a safe pregnancy.
“To be honest, that Japan experience was great, and I would still be there if not for things we don’t have control of,” he said.
He had talked about being inspired of being a soon-to-be dad the previous week. This time, Bolick talked about repaying what NLEX gave up in order to get a player of his caliber.
NLEX got Bolick last December, striking a deal with NorthPort by giving up Don Trollano, who would later wind up with San Miguel Beer and become a PBA champion in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“They gave up a lot just to get me, so I have to give everything I can to show that I’m worth it,” he said. “My mindset is to give my best and all of my work has been paying off.”Rookies help out
He’s not the only one giving his best for the Road Warriors.
Bolick got help from rookies Dominic Fajardo and Jhan Nermal, who put up strong numbers on both ends to propel the Road Warriors to victory.
And that gave NLEX plenty of good vibes before heading to a long break that will last 24 days due to next week’s All-Star Game in Bacolod City and the subsequent Lenten break.
From there, almost every game will be a challenge for NLEX, with the succeeding opponents being Magnolia (April 6), TNT (April 13), San Miguel Beer (April 28), Rain or Shine (May 3) and Barangay Ginebra (May 5).
“We’re a few wins away from securing the magic No. 6,” said Bolick, referring to the projection of teams getting a spot in the quarterfinals with at least six wins. “But all of our opponents will be difficult the rest of the way and we have to play together to keep our momentum.” INQ
