It’s never easy to show up while mourning, yet Robert Bolick still did as much for his brothers-in-arms after returning to NLEX on Wednesday night.
Bravely soldiering on despite being left with an unfillable void following the loss of his father recently, the star guard rejoined the Road Warriors in their eventual win over Phoenix for his first game back in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
“Subok lang,” he told a number of reporters moments after their 87-81 victory at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Sinusubukan ko lang, para lang sa erpats ko.”
Bolick missed NLEX’s first two games of the season-opening tilt as the club gave him the time he’d need to pay his last respects to his dad in the States.
His teammates did quite well during his time away, first by stunning reigning champs San Miguel before falling short against Terrafirma.
The 30-year-old guard from San Beda could have actually stayed longer in Texas but decided to go back home and suit up for his team — even with a heavy heart.
(C) PBA Images
“Hirap, sobra,” he said. “‘Di ko alam kung anong mangyayari this conference. Pero kawawa naman ‘yung teammates ko, ‘yung pinaghirapan din nila.”
Still, Bolick managed to put up good numbers in his return, finishing with nine points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and two steals in the 35 minutes he played. Yet he would be the first to admit that it’s been extremely difficult.
“Mahirap talaga e. Mabigat,” the Season 49 Mythical First Team honoree disclosed.
“‘Di ko sabihin na ‘di ako nasaktan, talagang nahirapan ako.”
But no matter what, Bolick will simply try to show up, hoping that the heaviness within eases up as the season goes along — coupled with prayers, of course.
“Basta subukan ko lang. Susubukan ko lang. Buti nanalo kami ngayon. ‘Yun lang, subukan ko lang talaga,” the former scoring champion said.
“Nandiyan naman ‘yung Panginoon. Dasal lang. Sana habang lumalaro medyo nawawala ‘pag naglaro. ‘Yun lang. Yun lang yung pinagdarasal ko.”
#WATCH: Despite grieving, Robert Bolick shares he’s grateful to have had the chance to sit beside and talk with Dirk Nowitzki during a flight 🏀
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times#PBA50 pic.twitter.com/qtPk1a33HU
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) October 22, 2025
