ROBERT Bolick is set to make his debut for NLEX on Wednesday in a game against TNT at the Philsports Arena during the resumption of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after he was activated by the Road Warriors.
Bolick is expected to see action just two days after officially becoming a Road Warrior when the PBA Commissioner's Office approved the trade that involves not just his former team NorthPort but also San Miguel.
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The former San Beda player last saw action in the PBA on March 15 when NorthPort closed last season’s Governors’ Cup with a loss to TNT, finishing with 14 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
“Nakakagulat at thankful pa rin na nakabalik ako dito (sa PBA),” said Bolick ahead of the PBA comeback after briefly seeing action for the Fukushima Firebirds in the Japan B.League second division.
During his first day in practice since the trade became official, the 28-year-old Bolick said he is determined to do well for NLEX since the team had to give up a lot of good players in order to acquire him.
“Gusto ko rin magpasalamat sa NLEX, kay boss Ronald [Dulatre], kay boss MVP [Manny Pangilinan], ginawan nila ng paraan para mapunta ako dito. Malaki rin ‘yung sakrispisyo nila, ‘yung mga binitawan nila para makuha ako,” said Bolick, who along with Kent Salado, was traded by NorthPort to NLEX for Don Trollano, Ben Adamos, Kris Rosales, and the Batang Pier's second-round draft pick next season.
“Kailangan i-prove ko rin ‘yung worthy ‘yung ginawa nila para makuha ako. ‘Yun ‘yung isa sa mga goals ko rin na makita nila na tama ‘yung desisyon nila na kunin ako,” said Bolick.
NLEX management said Bolick was acquired in order to fill a huge gap after top star Kevin Alas went down with his third ACL injury of his career.
“Hopefully, lahat ng expectations nila, makamit ko ‘yung gusto nilang mangyari sa team,” said Bolick.
Bolick also thanked the PBA for welcoming him back after his Japan sojourn.
“Gusto ko magpasalamat kay Comm. Willie [Marcial] at sa buong [PBA] governors, ‘yung nangyari sa akin, tinanggap nila agad ako. ‘Yung mga sabi-sabi na hindi sila supportive sa mga players na gustong (mag-abroad), eto ‘yung nagpapatunay na kahit saan man, gusto mong bumalik dito, tatanggapin ka at susuportahan ka ng PBA community. Thankful ako sa kanila,” said Bolick.
While he is happy to move to NLEX, Bolick said he will be forever grateful to NorthPort for giving him the opportunity to blossom as a PBA player after the Batang Pier drafted him at No. 3 in the draft in 2018.
“Gusto ko magpasalamat sa NorthPort, doon ako na-draft. Pasalamat ako kila Gov. Eric [Arejola], boss Bonnie [Tan], coach Pido [Jarencio], ‘yun naman ang nagbigay ng break sa akin dito sa PBA.
"Sila ang nagbigay ng opportunity sa akin kung bakit ako nakilala sa PBA. Nakaka-sad pero masaya rin ako na maganda ‘yung pinapakita nila this season. Magkikita-kita pa rin naman kami sa PBA,” said Bolick.
Bolick joins diverse NLEX group
Bolick said he is happy to join a diverse group of players and coaches at NLEX that included familiar faces, former NorthPort teammates, and ex-San Beda players.
“International dito. May Australian kami, may tiga-New Zealand, may tiga-Canada, tiga-America. Tapos may tiga-Ormoc, maganda ang combination,” said Bolick in jest.
“At least familiar din ako sa coaching staff. Si (assistant) coach JB (Sison), kasama ko na nag-champion. Maganda naman. Si Sean (Anthony) kasama ko, si Clint (Doliguez), si Kintoy (Salado) kasama ko pa rin. Masaya kami na kahit wala na kami sa team (NorthPort), masaya naman ako na napunta ako sa maganda ring team,” said Bolick.
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