Robert Bolick would have wanted to test mettle against Spain before World Cup

Robert Bolick admitted that he regrets that Gilas Pilipinas was unable to play against Spain in the Torneo de Malaga.

The Filipino dribblers had the chance to meet the fourth-ranked team in the world in the pocket tournament held over the past weekend, but they squandered the rare opportunity after falling short against Congo, 81-72.

Had they conquered Congo – which they beat in a tuneup prior to the cagefest – Gilas would have faced a Spain team led by NBA players Marc Gasol, Ricky Rubio, Rudy Fernandez, and the Hernangomez brothers Juan and Willy.

And facing one of the world’s best would have definitely helped their FIBA World Cup buildup.

Instead, Gilas faced another World Cup-bound team Ivory Coast and won, 73-63, to finish third in the four-team tilt.

“Siyempre gustong-gusto ko talaga makalaban [kasi] yun na yun eh. Rubio, Gasol – yun yung mga superstar sa NBA ‘di ba. Kung dun kami natapat, lose or win, kahit ano mangyari marami ka matututunan dun,” said the 22-year-old.

Bolick and the rest of Gilas were only reduced to spectators in the final that saw Spain maul Congo. But Bolick didn’t only enjoy watching the star-studded, as he also tried to learn what he could from the game.

“Pinanood ko sila paano maglaro, paano mag-prepare, gaano sila ka-relax[ed] inside the court. Yun ginaya ko lang, sinusunod ko lang pointers konti. Yun naman pinaka-importante, every day dapat may matutunan kang bago,” he said.

Gilas ended their Spain camp with a 3-1 card, including their tune-ups prior to the two-day contest. And the Torneo de Malaga became Bolick’s avenue to show that he can mix well with the national team veterans.

The rookie out of San Beda averaged 20.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in the pocket tournament. His performances then strengthened his case for making it into the 12-man line-up for the World Cup in China.

For Bolick, though, he just played to the best of his abilities, since coach Yeng Guiao’s system gives them freedom.

“Wala namang kailangang adjustment kay coach Yeng. He’s giving you freedom to do what you want, based lang sa system niya. Yun lang ginawa ko basically, sinunod ko lang. Yun, napaganda laro ko,” he said.

“Ginawa ko lang talaga, nilaro ko lang yung laro ko. Tinignan ko lang kung saan ko kaya. Pasalamat ako sa teammates ko at sa coaches na nandyan oara sumuorta sakon. Kahit saan naman ako naglalaro laruin ko lang laro ko.”