NOT only did Javee Mocon get a fresh start after getting traded to NLEX, he also got a much-welcome reunion with good friend and college running mate Robert Bolick.
The two shared three NCAA championships together in San Beda, were PBA Draft classmates in 2018, and were always close pals.
In the PBA, however, Bolick and Mocon, both 29, had to wait six years before they got to wear the same uniform again.
Finally, last Tuesday, it happened. The Red Lions-turned-Road Warriors were on the same side of the court once more.
“Bata pa kami nung sa NCAA, pangarap lang naming mag-pro. Ngayon, andito pa rin kami both, may asawa na, magkaka-baby na,” Mocon shared with SPIN.ph following his NLEX debut when he got nine points and three rebounds in 21 minutes of action.
San Beda Road Warriors, NLEX Red Lions
The two formed a dynamic duo in San Beda’s three-peat from 2016 to 2018, which was instrumental to their draft selections - Bolick being the third overall pick by NorthPort, while Mocon went to Rain or Shine at sixth.
Both made an immediate impact as rookies, with Berto steering the Batang Pier's return to relevance, as Mocs emerged as a cornerstone for the then-rebuilding Elasto Painters.
Not long after, though, both saw their careers take interesting turns. Bolick took his talents to the Japan B.League before deciding to come home to raise a family, while Mocon got traded to Phoenix just as he got married and he and his wife got pregnant.
Fast forward to now, and the two are glad to experience going full circle with each other - though they were never the sentimental sort as friends.
“Lalaki kami, so hindi namin masyado iniisip, but when you come to think of it nga, nakakatuwa kasi I know saan siya nanggaling, I know his journey, and he knows my journey. Na-witness namin ang storya ng isa’t-isa," shared Mocon.
“Nakakatuwa na side-by-side, we’re still growing, learning, and flourishing here sa PBA.”
Together with Baser Amer, Dave Marcelo, and Anthony Semerad, Mocon and Bolick hope to bring the San Beda 'Animo' and championship culture to a Road Warriors side on the rise.
First and foremost, however, Mocon knows full well he has to get back into his groove, following an up-and-down two-year stint with the Fuel Masters.
“Siyempre, nagulat ako sa midseason trade, pero siyempre, God naman works in mysterious ways. Hopefully, this one sticks," he said.
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