By: Ohmer Bautista
Reigning Chooks-to-Go/NCAA-UAAP Press Corps Player of the Year Robert Bolick is undoubtedly one of the best prospects in the collegiate ranks.
In order to elevate his game even further, he went out of his way to train with one of the best young players in the country in Kiefer Ravena.
According to the 6-foot-1 guard, his training with the “Phenom” last July 26 was an experience unlike any before.
“Yes, yes. Nakakatulong talaga ‘yung training with him,” Bolick said cheerily, moments after San Beda’s rout of the EAC Generals, Tuesday evening.
“And lahat ng mga tinuturo niya sa’kin eh, ginagawa ko din.”
And it did show during his first game after the workout session, as he posted 15 points on 75 percent shooting from the field, on top of four assists to steer the Red Lions to a 3-0 start.
Moreover, the 22-year-old confessed that it was his very first time meeting the Ateneo Blue Eagles legend in a training session. But despite that, Bolick had no first-time jitters whatsoever and that he’s all business.
“Oo, first time,” he admitted. “Wala naman, player to player lang. Iniisip ko lang what to improve eh.”
Aside from his jumpshot – which Ravena had told him to work on prior to their meet-up – Bolick shared that they also trained for ball screens situations, finishing around the rim, and other drills which were new for him.
With all the lessons imparted by Ravena, Bolick then expressed his utmost gratitude to the man he looks up to, for giving him a golden opportunity to visit and train him in Mendiola amid his busy schedule.
“Malaki talaga ‘yung tingin ko sa kanya matagal na na-prove na niya ‘yan eh — sa highschool, college, sa pros,” the 2023 Gilas cadet bared. “Medyo busy lang talaga siya, pero nagpapasalamat ako na he made time to come to school, sa San Beda, and taught me some of the drills.
“Tinake advantage lang namin ‘yung opportunity na maka-practice siya. ‘Yung style of play niya na pwede ko’ng madagdag ko sa laro ko. Kasi ‘yung knowledge of the game, wala namang limitation,” the native of Ormoc, Leyte furthered.
“Hopefully, if ever libre siya, magchachat naman siya sakin. Nagpapasalamat lang ako na tinuruan niya ako ng libre, walang bayad.”
