When fully unleashed, Robert Bolick is a certified gunner capable of dominating while delivering solid numbers in rebounding and assists.
This prowess was on full display last week when Bolick scored 26 points and set a new career-high of 46 in succession to propel NLEX to back-to-back wins, securing a 3-1 record and a joint third position in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Bolick single-handedly brought the Road Warriors back from a 10-point deficit in their 96-93 victory over Meralco last Wednesday, contributing to their game-changing 35-25 surge in the fourth quarter with his 16-point outburst.
Three days later, the former San Beda standout achieved the highest scoring output for a local player in Season 48, surpassing TNT star Calvin Oftana’s 37 in the previous conference. This performance helped NLEX defeat Converge with a score of 115-93.
For his masterclass performance, highlighted by averages of 36 points (59 percent field goal and 39 percent three-point shooting), 6.5 rebounds, and six assists, Bolick earned the recognition as the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week (March 6-10).
“Buti na lang may Bolick kami,” Coach Frankie Lim remarked after their escape act against the Bolts. “Isipin mo kung wala ito rito.”
Bolick has been on a tear since his PBA comeback. After a brief stint in Japan, the pride of Leyte found his way to NLEX from his original team, NorthPort, last December. He played four games with the Road Warriors in the tail end of the Commissioner’s Cup.
With the All-Filipino tournament, Bolick returned to his element. Although resetting his previous high of 44 from his NorthPort days by two against the FiberXers was a glorious moment, Bolick expressed greater elation for the team’s victory.
“Iniisip ko talaga is manalo. Individual lang yan (career high), team sport ito, eh. Masaya ako na nanalo at masaya ako na iyung teammates ko nandiyan sila really to play. Kahit sino’ng ipasok ni coach, maganda ang nilaro. Sana magtuloy-tuloy na,” said Bolick, who gains added inspiration from becoming a father in a few months.
