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Two explosive outings. Two straight victories. In just a week, Robert Bolick Jr. dropped 28 points against Rain or Shine and followed it with a 36-point eruption versus Titan Ultra, pushing the NLEX Road Warriors to the top of the PBA Philippine Cup standings.
Even after missing the conference’s first two games while on bereavement leave, Bolick has quickly reclaimed his place as the team’s engine, averaging 17.7 points, 9.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. It’s the same all-around command he displayed back in his San Beda days, when he embraced leadership not with talk, but with relentless work.
“Ever since high school and college, I’ve taken pride in staying in the best shape possible. I always watch my health. It’s one of the best ways I can help my teams,” Bolick said.
His sights are fixed on a goal no NLEX squad has reached since joining the league: a Finals appearance. “Gusto ko talagang manalo. NLEX hasn’t reached the Finals. My goal is to be part of the first team to do it. Malaking bagay ’yon sa resume when all is said and done.”
Bolick isn’t carrying the load alone. Longtime teammate JB Bahio, another product of San Beda, has emerged as a steady anchor, posting 15.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Their chemistry has carried over seamlessly to the pros.
“I’ve seen JB’s work ethic since college pa kami,” Bolick said. “Nothing he does surprises me. He’s one of the leaders here and he leads with hard work.”
The Road Warriors may be off to a strong start, but Bolick knows the road ahead is far from easy. As he put it, “Malayo pa. It’s nice to be on top, but the mission isn’t done.”
