CHICAGO - Determined to annex its first title since joining the PBA in 2014, NLEX made a big, bold move last December.
They traded for Robert Bolick Jr., a marquee name - and arguably, every bit as good as any young star in the league.
In his maiden conference with the Road Warriors since arriving from NorthPort, Bolick made an immediate impact in the Philippine Cup where he averaged 28.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in 13 games.
Bolick's production helped the Road Warriors to a 6-5 record and a berth in the quarterfinals where they were ambushed by eventual champions Meralco, 2-0.
Inspired by what their newfound leader can do and dazzled by the possibilities that lay ahead, NLEX made another makeover, this time in the head coaching post where Jong Uichico took over for Frankie Lim.
While at it, they also named Virgil Villavecencio as new team manager in lieu of Larry Fonacier.
NEW LOOK, SAME RESULTS.
With their new personnel, you'd think the Road Warriors were poised for a trip to the semifinals, and heck, maybe even beyond
Unfortunately, they stalled in the Governors' Cup, finishing with a flat 5-5 record in Pool B before being shown the door in a one-sided best-of-five quarterfinals match-up that No. 1 seed TNT won, 3-1.
And instead of raising his game to a different level after a star turn in the Philippine Cup, Bolick regressed, moreso in the playoffs where he struggled mightily and averaged just 15.7 points on 41.4-percent shooting (17-of-41).
The former Batang Pier did terrific at the 4-point line, hitting 3-of-8 (37.5 percent), but he was terrible from 3, just 2-for-11 (18.1 percent).
In fairness, the brutish Tropang Giga defense zeroed in on Bolick and allowed him as much oxygen as a dead man in a casket.
Still, franchise players are required to find a way through the fog of adversity, which is why they get the big bucks and the adulation.
CARRIED WHERE?
Bolick did break through in Game Four of the series, but his best effort of 25 points, five rebounds, and seven assists came in NLEX's worst loss against TNT: a 125-96 closeout.
When I asked if Bolick met his "expectations as the team's franchise player," coach Jong seemed content.
"Bolick carried us. I can't ask for more," he said via text message.
Well, what about a slot in the semifinals where they can at least sniff at a championship trophy, is that too much?
"We always aim high," Uichico quipped, adding that "our team is capable" when asked if Bolick needs help.
In their 10 years in the PBA, the Road Warriors made it to the postseason 16 times, 14 in the quarters, and two in the semis.
I guess congratulations are in order for keeping the bar low.
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