Gilas Pilipinas is glad to have been given the green light to include Robert Bolick to its pool for the upcoming window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Team manager Butch Antonio confirmed that the NorthPort Batang Pier and the PBA Commissioner’s Office allowed the inclusion of Bolick, who had earlier sent feelers to Gilas coach Chot Reyes of his desire to suit up for the games slated Feb. 24 to 28.
It was Reyes who showed a video of Bolick taking part in Gilas’ practice Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center inside the Ateneo campus, hours before it was announced that he had signed a new deal to remain with the Batang Pier.
NorthPort team manager Bonnie Tan said that management allowed Bolick to take part in Gilas’ preparation for the qualifiers which pits the Philippines against South Korea twice, New Zealand and India.
Bolick’s addition is a boost for Gilas, which will feature a mixture of those left on its pool plus a few more from Reyes’ TNT Tropang Giga roster.
Thirdy Ravena and Dwight Ramos, Filipino players suiting up in Japan’s B.League, are also back home to take part in the Gilas training sessions.
Injuries to RR Pogoy (calf) and Poy Erram (back) have caused some concerns within the Gilas camp, which makes Bolick’s participation a timely help.
The rising superstar was part of Gilas’ campaign in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China, posting 8.6 points on 47-percent shooting in five matches.
His play in the World Cup was cited as one of the reasons for his steady climb into one of the PBA’s top performers.