ABY Maraño couldn't be any prouder seeing her beau Robert Bolick mix it up with some of the best players the country has to offer in Gilas Pilipinas.
"Masaya ako kasi rookie pa lang si Robert, pakonti-konti naaabot na niya yung mga pangarap niya. Nasa PBA na siya and at the same time, part na siya ng Gilas," she said.
"More than proud pa siguro ako na girlfriend dahil nasaksihan ko talaga yung beginnings niya."
Marano was with Bolick in every step of his way and has continued to do so, even acting as a physical therapist for the former San Beda star as he juggles his responsibility with the Batang Pier and the national team.
Though Bolick's Gilas callup may seem too early for some, the F2 Logistics middle hitter believes that the proof is in the pudding with how the NorthPort neophyte has held his own in only his second conference in the pro league.
"Parehas kami ng mentality ni Robert, na kahit bata ka o ganito ang height mo, wala yan. Kung ano ang performance mo, yun ang magsasabi kung deserving ka talaga. Wala yan sa edad. Hindi mo pwedeng sabihin na masyado pang maaga. Kung nakitaan mo ng potential, tama lang na isalang mo na," she said.
Bolick has so far averaged 17.0 points. 5.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists this 2019 PBA Commissioner's Cup, leading NorthPort to a 9-2 slate for a surefire Top-Two finish in the eliminations -- easily the franchise's best.
That's why for Marano, she believes that Bolick is more than deserving of his place in Gilas and would not be surprised if he makes it to the final roster for the 2019 Fiba World Cup.
"Confident ako kay Robert dahil nakita ko ang potential sa kanya. Sa NorthPort, makikita mo naman na parang hindi siya rookie maglaro, nagde-deliver siya for the team at nagpe-perform siya. So dito, ganoon din."
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