NLEX will once again have to fight without its emotional leader.
Star guard Robert Bolick remains in the United States to mourn the passing of his father, and is not expected to rejoin the Road Warriors until next week.
Head coach Jong Uichico confirmed that Bolick will sit out Sunday’s Philippine Cup clash against Terrafirma at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“I think next week na. We should give him some time. Close siya sa father niya,” said Uichico. “We should give him as much time as we can para when he comes back, tama na yung mindset niya.”
Bolick was supposed to suit up in NLEX’s season opener against defending champion San Miguel, but had to leave the country abruptly. Despite his absence, the Road Warriors held their ground and eked out a dramatic 85-84 win behind the efforts of their frontcourt duo Jonnel Policarpio and Brandon Ramirez, who scored 16 apiece, and JB Bahio’s double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.
“He was supposed to play, but something happened that he had to leave right away,” Uichico explained.
Bolick’s absence was deeply felt — his 20.6 points and league-best 7.6 assists per game last season were the heartbeat of NLEX’s offense. Still, Uichico praised his squad for rallying around their fallen teammate.
“Malaki ang epekto ng laro ni Berto sa amin. It was a collective effort ng lahat in the absence of Berto,” said Uichico, who revealed that the team dedicated their emotional opening win to their grieving star.
The Road Warriors now look to sustain their momentum, hoping to stay strong until Bolick’s much-awaited return — one that could not only boost their offense but also lift their spirits.