ROBERT Bolick pinpointed Jonnel Policarpio and Enoch Valdez as the two players that will play key roles in NLEX’s campaign in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup.
The Road Warriors are looking to mirror if not surpass their playoff appearance in last season’s Philippine Cup where they finished second in the eliminations but lost to Rain or Shine in the first round of the playoffs.
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Bolick said last season’s performance is proof that NLEX is on the rise and he expects the same this conference, making special mention of Policarpio and Valdez as the two players who can take their game to another level this season.
“Expect big things sa mga bago namin na hindi nag-perform last conference," said Bolick, pointing to Policarpio and Valdez's performance in the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City and other preseason games.
"This conference, expect big things from Enoch, Poli. Sila ‘yung mga sa Kadayawan, sa mga tune-up namin, kapag maganda ‘yung laro nila, ang hirap namin talunin eh,” said Bolick.
Policarpio made little impact in his first season in the PBA where the No. 6 in the PBA Season 49 Draft averaged 6.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in 31 games with the Road Warriors.
Valdez played in 31 games in his sophomore year after being picked No. 18 in the Season 48 Draft, and averaged 5.4 points and 2.7 rebounds last season.
“Sila ‘yung X-factors namin sa team which is araw-araw ko silang kinakausap na kailangang kailangan namin sila,” said Bolick.
Bolick won the Mythical First Team honors in the 49th Season Leo Awards after averaging 20.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.6 assists.
But for NLEX to be successful, Bolick said it will require a team effort this season, pointing to coach Jong Uichico's mainstays Xyrus Torres, Brandon Ramirez, Kevin Alas, Javee Mocon, and Tony Semerad.
“Last conference, kita niyo naman, iba na ‘yung tinatakbo namin,” said Bolick. “More on fluidity, chemistry kami sa team. Tutuloy pa rin namin ‘yun this conference.”
“Ang sistema namin, iba na eh. Team-oriented kami ngayon. ‘Yun ‘yung pine-preach ni coach which is lahat kami nagkaka-ganun na silang dalawa (Policarpio, Valdez) and confident ako sa trabaho na nilagay ng dalawa.
"Expect niyo malaki ang mabibigay ng dalawa,” said Bolick.
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