NorthPort's Robert Bolick and Blackwater's Carl Bryan Cruz admitted feeling mixed emotions with their absence in the PBA bubble.
Bolick (ACL) and Cruz (torn meniscus) have spent their quarantine days recovering from injuries they suffered during the 2019 season.
Both players heeded the advice of their respective orthopedic surgeons to opt out of the postponed Philippine Cup.
Speaking to One Sports' Sports Page aired Wednesday, Bolick said he wasn't in top condition to grind it out with his fellow professional basketball players.
"I'm fit to play. I can play. Kasi mag-one year na rin ako ," said Bolick, who also missed the latter parts of the 2019 season.
" I have to play against -- 'di naman 'to college o high school -- these guys are pro players."
Feeling helpless -- physically -- Bolick and Cruz are on a mission to cheer for their teammates at all times. But behind that support comes a jealous feeling due to the longingness for the love of the game.
"Of course, number one nakakainggit talaga e," said Cruz, who continues to undergo therapy due to knee surgery to repair his torn meniscus.
"Syempre gusto mo rin talaga makasama doon. Gusto mong makapag-perform. Number two, gusto mo talaga matulungan sila."
Bolick, who was also sidelined from the bubble, echoed Cruz's sentiments.
"Sa isip-isip ko medyo badtrip," said the 25-year-old Bolick. "Sabi nga ni Carl, kayang kaya tulungan 'yung team in such a way, kahit ano man."
"This happens for a reason so accept lang namin. For sure, by next year we're completely healed."
After the bubble season, Bolick and Cruz are eyeing a solid comeback with most injured players expected to return as well.
Aside from Bolick and Cruz, San Miguel center June Mar Fajardo (shin) and guard Terrence Romeo (shoulder) were also out of the bubble.