Robert Bolick admitted that the rest of NorthPort felt extremely worried upon learning that head coach Pido Jarencio tested positive for COVID-19.
The veteran mentor and his coaching staff contracted the dreaded virus and have all left the Batang Pier’s lair in Pampanga to recover in their respective homes, leaving the ball club without their bench strategists.
“Siyempre sad. Siyempre coach namin siya — hindi lang sa pagko-coach eh, sa pagkatao eh,” the third-year point guard lamented.
“Kasi siyempre, si Coach medyo may edad na, tapos tatamaan siya ng virus,” he furthered, as Jarencio turned 57 just last September 5.
‘”Yung health ‘yung pinaka-importante eh, so ‘yun ang pinaka-worried kami.“
So to give their coaches something to smile about despite their situation, Bolick and Co. aimed to win their 2021 Honda PBA Philippine Cup duel with Blackwater, Thursday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor.
And they accomplished just that. With team manager Bonnie Tan manning the sidelines in lieu of his good pal, the Batang Pier conquered the still-winless Bossing, 98-73, for their second victory of the conference.
Photo by PBA Images
“‘Yung game na ‘to, sabi nga ni Coach Bonnie, bibigay namin sa mga coaches namin kasi kahit malayo kami nandiyan pa rin sila, tumatawag sa Zoom, instructions,” said Bolick, who had 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
“‘Yun nga ang maganda sa’min eh, nagtutulungan kami — from our bosses, kay Coach Bonnie, teammates, ‘yung mga captains namin. ‘Pag timeouts, halftime, nag-uusap,” added the 25-year-old.
Also in Bolick’s mind and heart during the game were the victims of Typhoon Jolina in Ormoc. Ormoc is one of the provinces that have been greatly damaged by it.
“Taga-Ormoc, hopefully okay lang ang mga na-baha sa Tambulilid,” said the native of Ormoc.
“Para sa inyo ito, sa Espina family ko sa Tambulilid. God bless and stay safe.”
The win, which improved their card to 2-3, has surely made the coaches proud. And Bolick only has one reminder for Jarencio.
“Ngayon, ang gusto lang namin, wag muna mag-isip si Coach Pido sa mga games namin kasi nandito naman si Coach Bonnie. Focus muna siya sa health niya. ‘Yun ang pinakaimportante eh,” he said.
“For sure, ‘pag okay na siya, magiging kumpleto rin kami — and ‘yun ang iniintay din namin,” added the former third overall pick.
Tan, meanwhile, assured that Jarencio’s return to the sidelines could happen soon as they have been recovering well.
Photo by PBA Images
“Malapit na, malapit na,” said the Letran head coach.
“And again, we dedicate this game, again, sinabi nga namin ni Berto, para sa mga coaches namin na nagtatrabaho kahit na naka-quarantine sila.”
