Even the country’s top collegiate stars get starstruck.
After 17 days, Robert Bolick and the San Beda University Red Lions returned to the hardcourt. But sitting on the commentary booth was LA Tenorio, who was making his debut as analyst for ABS-CBN S+A’s broadcast of the game.
And the 21-year-old could not help but be awe-struck as Tenorio is one of his heroes growing up.
“Siyempre si LA, been there done that. Ganun lang yung height niya pero kita mo big stage, kahit ano pang game – finals, Philippine team, kahit ano,” expressed Bolick.
The reigning Chooks-to-Go/UAAP-NCAA Press Corps Player of the Year made sure to leave an impression on his idol.
During San Beda’s clash against the CSB Blazers, Bolick took charge, scoring eight straigh points in a game-breaking 17-0 run. As the dust settled, he rewrote his career-high, finishing with 25 points to lead San Beda to a 75-69 victory.
There was also one sequence during the game that saw Bolick pointing at Tenorio after a made triple.
“Actually, ininterview ko siya after the game. Sabi nga niya, nakita niya ako sa sidelines, na-inspire daw siya playing this game dahil sa akin,” shared Tenorio, who is a former San Beda Red Cub.
“Yun mga ganoong bagay, na na-iinspire sila kasi nakikita nila mga kuya nila — na yung mga nilolook-up nila mga player from the sideline, na-iinspire sila.
“With that, malaking accomplishment na sa akin yun doing this panel or commentating or analyst kasi natutuwa ako na may mga players na na-iinspire sa akin doing their best and doing their best — what they are supposed to do inside the playing court,” added the three-time PBA champion. “Yun lang naman gusto ko makita as a player. Yun lang naman ang gusto ko makita for all the players of the NCAA. One hundred-percent effort talaga and one hundred-percent sa game.”
Bolick hopes that he can one day have a successful pro career as Tenorio. It’s the dream that every aspiring basketball player has.
“Gusto kong dun sa taas eh. Lahat naman kami, kahit sinong player tanungin mo, they want to be on top. Di naman kami nagppractice ng umaga para lang gusto lang namin ganto lang. Siyempre, yun yung motivation ko.”
