After Jayson Castro bid Gilas Pilipinas farewell, Yeng Guiao opened the Gilas Pilipinas pool, hoping to find someone who could fill the hole left by the two-time All-FIBA Asia team member.
Besides the re-addition of Kiefer Ravena, Guiao invited NorthPort Batang Pier guard Robert Bolick to join the pool as well.
And the 23-year-old guard out of Ormoc, Leyte gladly heeded the call of duty.
“Bahala na kung ano mangyari sa Monday,” quipped Bolick, the third overall pick in the 2018 PBA Draft, about his expectations on joining the seniors’ team for the first time.
“But just the thought na na-invite ako, masarap talaga sa feeling.”
In his first six months in the big league, the 6-foot-1 combo guard needed few adjustments to his game. During the Philippine Cup, Bolick averaged 10.64 points, 5.55 rebounds, and 4.09 points per game.
But in his second conference, the Batang Pier handed him the keys as they traded Stanley Pringle to NorthPort. And Bolick has been proving that he can be the new face of the franchise, since he is currently norming 17.29 points, 5.43 rebounds, and 4.43 assists per contest in seven games played.
Just hours after Guiao’s call, the product of San Beda flirted with a triple-double, tallying 16 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds in NorthPort’s 127-99 win over Blackwater.
Though he’s having a spectacular campaign so far, Bolick shared that never in his wildest dreams did he think he would get a Gilas call-up this early.
“Yung this early in my career? Talagang hindi ko ine-expect na makakasama ako,” admitted the 23 for 2023 Gilas Cadet.
One thing Bolick looks forward to is finally getting to share the court with Ravena, who will be allowed to practice for Gilas.
Ravena – who incurred an 18-month suspension from FIBA – held one-on-one sessions with Bolick last year during the NCAA season. And Bolick can’t wait to learn more from the Ravena again.
“I’m much more happy to see him play! Sa sobrang tagal niya mag hintay makakalaro na siya,” said Bolick about Ravena.
“I’m happy for him.”
