Robert Bolick would like to be with NorthPort for the PBA season restart in Clark, but the incoming sophomore understands that staying home to further recover from his injury is best for him and the team.
The 25-year-old has healed from the partial anterior cruciate ligament tear he suffered in October of last year. Still, the Batang Pier deemed its best not to include him in the lineup for the bubble for safety reasons.
“Of course, masakit para sa’kin to not be there for my teammates, but I have to do what I have to do,” Bolick told Tiebreaker Times shortly after news of his non-inclusion came out Friday evening.
“I wish I was there for my teammates, but I think it’s much better for me to stay and focus on my rehab and get ready for the next season. Next season, ready na ako roon.”
The San Beda legend was raring to go, especially after seeing his rookie season come to an abrupt end due to the injury,. The proof of that is his perfect attendance in NorthPort’s per-batch workouts since August.
Still, the All-Rookie Team member puts a premium on respecting his doctors’ advice. “The doctor said I needed more months. I think we just have to follow what Dr. [Raul] Canlas said.
“I really move well, I move faster, stronger, but you know, you gotta have to respect the doctors. Once they say three more months, then you have to go three more months,” said Bolick.
That may be a long time for some, but the proud son of Leyte doesn’t mind. He remains keen on getting better and stronger to better help his team once he comes back.
“I’m not in a hurry. I’m just taking my time, focused on the task at hand which is to get better, stronger, na hindi na maulit ‘to,” he said. “The only thing na mababawi ko sa kanila for their sacrifices in the bubble is to work very hard.
“So when the time comes when we go back and I practice, tapos nakikita nila paano ako maglaro, I think they will be happy also that we did the right thing. We don’t have to force things. I’m happy.”
Bolick cannot wait for next season, since he’s hungry to help NorthPort achieve greater things. And among the things that excite him is his partnership with versatile big man Christian Standhardinger.
That promising tandem has only been seen by the league in one game, when NorthPort battled San Miguel in Governors’ Cup action — the very same game where Bolick suffered the season-ending knee injury.
“We’re getting there and we’re really, really excited.
“One game lang kami naglaro tapos na-injure na. I’m really [looking forward] to seeing our tandem kasi we were really doing good,” he said.
For now, though, Bolick will be supporting his team from afar. And even without him in the upcoming Philippine Cup wars set to start on Oct. 11, he declared confidence that his team will deliver.
“I’m here to support them. I’m confident with the team. I wish I was there but I’m not, so the only thing that I can do is to watch the games, see how my teammates play so when I come back, I could fit in again.”
