With the duo of Robert Bolick and Javee Mocon steering the wheel, the San Beda Red Lions have won the last three NCAA Seniors Basketball crowns.
But come Season 95, one of the most dominant teams in collegiate sports opens its new era.
And Bolick can’t wait to watch it all unfurl.
“Nandito lang naman kami nila Mocon, mga nag-graduate. Alumni na kami e so ngayon, supporters na lang kami,” said the NCAA Season 94 Finals MVP, who still visits the team in Mendiola during his free time.
Bolick, who is the third overall pick in the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft, knows that his role with the squad will easily be filled by the sophomore tandem of James Canlas and Evan Nelle, together with seniors AC Soberano and Clint Doliguez.
However, what the 6-foot-1 combo guard is worrying about is who will step up in place of Mocon. And he is hoping that 6-foot-5 utility forwards Calvin Oftana and JP Bahio does so.
“Gusto ko si Calvin atsaka si Bahio mag-step up,” opined Bolick as Oftana averaged 4.8 points and 3.0 boards last year while Bahio sat out. “Kasi sa posisyon ko kasi medyo sakop na eh. Nandiyan na si Evan at James, marami na. Yung four-man kasi si Mocon di ba?
“Sana kunin na ni Calvin at ni Bahio yun.”
If they do, Bolick believes that San Bead’s quest for a four-peat will be easy.
Despite this tall task, Bolick hopes that the incoming seniors just enjoy the moment as playing in the NCAA is a moment they will relish for the rest of their lives.
“Konting pikit mo lang magugulat ka, graduate ka na,” he reflected. “Ako nga pumikit, nandito na ako. Napakasarap sa feeling at mas lalong sumarap pag alam mong tinatrabaho mo.
“So hopefully they’ll just work hard, stay humble, play as a team.”
