It should have been odd for Robert Bolick to don red and white when he suited up on the hardcourt.
A part of the La Salle Greenhils juniors basketball team and the 2013 De La Salle Green Archers champion squad, Bolick always wore green and thought he would end his college career wearing the same shade.
“Bago ako lumipat galing La Salle, medyo masakit talaga. Kasi high school, galing akong (La Salle) Greenhills so sabi ko kailangan ko talaga gumraduate sa (Taft). Ito na sana yung right path,” Bolick said.
But he wouldn’t, eventually leaving La Salle last year.
“Doon ko naisip na hindi lahat ganoon, pabago-bago,” he said. “Noong lumipat ako, naiisip ko pa yung nag-champion ako sa La Salle, so yung mga memories. Sabi ko, oh well, pero wala eh, kailangan para sa career.”
Bolick began a search for his next destination, which included Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines, before an important call paved the way for the next chapter of his career.
“Tulog na tulog pa ako noon, may tumawag sa akin. Sabi ko, ‘Sino kaya to?’ tapos si coach Jamike (Jarin) pala; sabi niya sa akin, ‘Akong bahala sa’yo’,” Bolick shared.
Bolick transferred to San Beda in 2014, and immediately, the wing man was oriented about his role with the Red Lions. One of the factors which made Bolick feel at home was the immense trust his new squad gave him.
“Training pa lang maski-Team B ako, sinasabihan na ako ni coach, ‘We need you here’,” he said of the changes in his role. “Mga unang practice pa lang sinasabihan na nila ako ng ganyan at na-boost yung morale ko. So sabi ko, grabe to ha, iba nakita nila sa akin kaysa sa ibang team. You’re more than that daw. So nagpush ako araw-araw para makamit ko yung kung ano ang maitutulong ko sa team.”
Finally playing for the Red Lions in the National Collegiate Championship and helping the Mendiola crew win its second straight national title, Bolick sensed there is more to his college basketball career.
“Hindi ko naisip na mag-e-NCAA ako pero pagpasok ko sa practice, parang I feel at home. Ay, okay na ako dito,” he recalled.
“First game ko, okay naman, masaya. Intact yung team. At kahit minsan may bad shot ako sinasabi nila, okay lang yan. Grabe yung suporta nila sa akin.”
Bolick was also named part of the Mythical five of the San Beda-Letran match. With a bigger role and a whirlwind of opportunities ahead, he can’t wait to show people more of what he is capable of.
“Hindi ako pwede huminto. Kailangan ko makapunta sa next level. Sa Greenhills nadaanan ko yan. I am used to this role. Namiss ko rin to,” Bolick said.
“Maganda rin naman ang opportunity sa San Beda. Every year, contender ‘tong mga ‘to. Well-coached, and very good community.”
Bolick feels embraced in red and white, and he’ll hold on to what lies ahead. It is a golden chance to rise, to prove himself, and to add more glory across his name.
“Ito yung challenge sa sarili ko. Na hindi lang ako ganito pero kaya ko pa i-push. May iba naman na hindi (nag-e-excel) sa ibang team pero pagpunta ng ibang team, may kaya pala. Yung ang challenge Kailangan ko pa mag-doble kayod hanggang sa kaya ko pa umangat.”
