The heads-up match-up between Robert Bolick and CJ Perez stands at 4-3, in favor of the Red Lion
Over the past two years, the on-court rivalry between good friends Robert Bolick of San Beda and CJ Perez of Lyceum has caught the imagination of local basketball fans.
In one corner: Bolick, a former bench-warmer from La Salle, who turned himself into one of the most dynamic guards over the last two years.
In the other: Perez, an almost-forgotten man who transferred from Ateneo to Lyceum, and one of the best all-around guards.
“Siyempre, sa pinagdaanan namin… Kung saan-saan ding schools nanggaling diba? Parang, siyempre sa sarili namin, gusto naming patunayan na may ibubuga kami – na makita ng mga teams na ‘di tumanggap sa amin na kaya namin,” recalled Perez.
“Nung point na dumating siya two years ago, sabi ko magandang laban ito,” said Bolick, on the other hand.
Every game in which they faced each other became a must-watch TV for fans. But for the protagonists, it was also a game they prepared hard for, since they tested each other’s limit.
“Para sa akin kasi, ‘pag may magagaling kasi gusto mong tapatan para makita mo kung kaya mo ba at gaano ka kagaling. Talo kami nung elimination round, pero kami nag-champion. For sure, malaking tulong sa akin at sa kanya ito,” reflected Bolick, who stands at 6-foot-1.
“Kung may nagsasabi na mas magaling siya, sa akin okay lang naman. Pero as a competitive person, sinasabi ko hindi naman siguro – sinasabi ko lang naman sa sarili ko yun.”
“‘Pag nakalaban mo si Robert Bolick, siyempre, nandun yung challenge, yung competition talaga. Sobrang taas, sobrang intense ‘pag kalaban mo yung Bolick,” recalled Perez, who himself is a lanky 6-foot-2 swingman.
“Nae-excite ako ‘pag nakakalaban ko sina Bolick.”
Having ended their collegiate careers at the same time, the two stalwarts were able to separate themselves from the pack. They have both been pegged the top two prospects in this year’s draft class.
Agreeing to disagree, Perez and Bolick have differing opinions on whether their so-called rivalry will be picked up in the big league – particularly since Bolick ending up not only winning the head-to-head match-up., but also the two championships.
“Sa tingin ko, pagdating naman dun, siyempre ‘di naman tayo mag-start as star player. Siyempre, magiging role player muna pagdating ng PBA. Rookie eh,” opined the 25-year-old Perez. “Madalang naman yung mga rookie na sumisikat talaga, sila talaga yung mga talented. Kami, marami pa kaming i-improve na skills para sa sarili namin.
“Wala munang rivalry siguro.”
“Pagkalaban kami, siyempre para sa akin tuloy pa rin yun,” admitted the 21-year-old Bolick. “Hindi pa siya nakabawi sa akin, so feeling ko gusto rin niya bumawi. Kahit ako yung nasa posisyon niya, magagalit ako nun. For sure yan!
“Kahit iba na ang usapan sa pros, ganun pa rin. Feeling ko sa kanya, ganun din.”
