CHICAGO - Amid rumors of the unhappiness of star player Robert Bolick and unrest among several players, I interviewed NLEX coach Jong Uichico.
Unfortunately, Uichico, despite his best efforts at transparency, did little to clear the fog of uneasiness, only churning out safe, guarded answers.
For instance, when I asked him if he felt he had lost the locker room amid rumors of several players' discontent with their roles and usage, coach Jong replied via text message.
"I appreciate everyone's coachability. I am here to do what is best for NLEX."
READ Robert Bolick growing restless at mid-tier NLEX?
There is a certain charm in prioritizing management over personnel but often in the business of basketball, the health and happiness of the troops are vital to success.
Coach Jong provided a reasonable explanation on the playing minutes starvation and under usage of players such as the versatile Enoch Valdez, who is reportedly drawing interest from guard-needy TNT.
NO GUARANTEES.
"In an import conference, some players will need to sacrifice some playing time," Uichico said.
This, however, doesn't mean that Valdez and the other alleged malcontents will get some action in the upcoming Philippine Cup because, Uichico adds, "minutes are not guaranteed."
I also asked coach Jong about his relationship with Bolick and his response was "we talk about the team."
While I didn't expect the concurrent Gilas Pilipinas assistant to go to bible study together or share a post-game meal with his Road Warriors star, I was hoping their partnership would resonate the sentiments of family or familiarity.
As for Bolick, his camp has vigorously denied any friction, lack of joy or underlying motivations that would lead to a demand for a trade. By the same token, Bolick denied an interview request, which is fine.
Making a post on his social media platforms denying all this kerfuffle would have been a great way to extinguish this fire.
HE HASN'T DONE THAT.
And if you're looking for any hint of Bolick's commitment, or lack of, to NLEX, you might find a hint on this tidbit.
According to a source, Bolick didn't attend an NLEX team building excursion in Antipolo. several weeks ago supposedly because of "family" reasons.
I'm all for family as the number one priority in life but Bolick needs to be reminded that his job is the instrument that allows him to take care of all those dear to him.
In October of 2023, the sweet-shooting Bolick asked for and was granted a release by the Fukushima Firebonds of the Japan B.League. Amid all the swirling uncertainty, that "runaway bride" type of history should raise all sorts of red flags for NLEX.
Team governor Ronald Dulatre brought in Uichico and traded for Bolick, a marriage that is showing cracks at an ill-opportune time when the Road Warriors are not yielding positive results on the court.
What a mess NLEX has in its hands.
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