Robert Bolick did not hide how heavy it is for him to part ways with Stanley Pringle, whom he considers a big brother.
“He’s my big brother,” said the 23-year-old Bolick after the Batang Pier’s 107-105 come-from-behind win over Rain or Shine Elasto Painters — the team’s first game in the post-Pringle era — Wednesday evening at SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Actually, ang hirap eh. Ngayon ko lang naranasan ganitong mga trade-trade,” added the rookie out of San Beda.
Making it tougher for Bolick is accepting that he will be attending practices with Pringle not around anymore.
“Pagdating niya, walang ibang sasabihin kung hindi ‘Hey bro, let’s go shoot.’ Ganoon kaagad, walang warm up, ‘Let’s go shoot.’ After noon, ‘Let’s go lift weights.’ Araw-araw yun, lift weights, shoot. After practice, ‘Let’s go shoot’.”
If Bolick had his way, he would really want Pringle to stay, for him to be able to spend more time with the reigning scoring champion to, of course, learn as much as he can from the one he looks at not just as a brother but as a mentor.
“‘Di ko matanggap, umiyak pa nga ako. It’s because gusto ko rin maging selfish, gusto ko pa siyang makasama nang matagal kasi Stanley’s one of the best players na nakasama kong makalaro in my position,” said Bolick.
“Siyempre gusto ko syang makasaman nang matagal. One conference lang, parang madami pa sana akong matutunan,” he added. “Feeling ko mas magi-improve pa akong malaki kahit one year lang, pero yun na nga.
“But I’m happy para sa kanya. Hope he’s doing good.”
With Pringle’s departure, Bolick is now seen to become one of the leaders of this Batang Pier crew. Asked if he is ready to take the leadership mantle, Bolick said that he is willing to, as Pringle helped him prepare for it.
“Oo naman, kasi ina-accept ko lahat ng challenge eh. Ito na yun eh,” he said. “Prinepare na din ako ni Stanley eh kaya nga gusto lang mag-one year sana … One conference lang pero sobrang dami ko ng natutunan sa kanya.
“If ever na open yun, I’m willing to take it. Pero may Sol [Mercado] rin kami at Nico [Elorde], kaming tatlo ang magiging leader sa team.”
With regards to their new teammates, Bolick is welcoming their addition, and he also looks forward to learning from them all, as he identifies the trio as winners — Ferrer, Cruz, and Mercado, have all won titles with Ginebra.
“Welcome arms kami kay Sol, I’m ready to learn from him. Kanina may mga sinasabi siya sa akin eh,” he said, as Mercado watched Wednesday’s game. “He’s going to be a good leader for our team din. Bukas makikita ko sila Kevin.
“Proven winners din yung mga yun.”
