BEYOND THE GAME

BOLICK’S BIG SACRIFICE

BY BRIAN YALUNG

Filipino basketball fans were left in disbelief after it was revealed that Robert Bolick had shockingly parted ways with Japan B.League Division 2 team Fukushima Firebonds.

Bolick officially played only one game with the Firebonds, a losing cause to Yamagata, 95-90. The Filipino guard tallied 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists in that game.

The alleged reason behind the parting of ways was due to the delicate situation of Bolick’s pregnant wife.

While some may argue that there were alternatives, there could have been more factors that contributed to the shocking but critical decision.

UNEASY BOLICK

Before the bombshell, this writer had the chance to talk with the former San Beda Red Lion as he was preparing for his B.League stint. Throughout the conversation, the 6-foot-1 guard appeared to be a bit uncomfortable as he was trying to address the adjustments he had to make.

At the top of the list was his new role. Bolick no longer needed to be that go-to guy who would need to take over and the big shots. He pointed out the differences between the B.League and the PBA.

“Madaming laro. Every game, hindi gaya ng sa PBA, do or die kasi ilang laro lang,” Bolick stated.

“Dito kasi 60 games. So may mga games na papahinga ka. May mga games naman na bubwelo ka. So magiging parang up and down season mo. So hindi ko kailangan gawin dito yung ginagawa ko sa Northport,” he added.

Further, Bolick believes he was taken in as a mentor to the young Japanese players who needed guidance especially during crunch time.

“Mostly, parang guide lang ako dito sa mga young Japanese players. Yung mga fourth quarter moments, lalo na kung dikitan. At least meron silang [maging] experience. Alam na [ang] gagawin [nila] sa mga ganong klaseng games,” Bolick shared.

THE BOLICK MENTALITY

With the role he believes was given to him, Bolick somehow appeared apprehensive, stressing the fact that he is a winner. The only problem is that taking it a notch lower was needed because of the games that his team had to play. He is aware that managing his playing time is essential to protect him from injuries.

“Yun ang problema. Winner ako. Pag dating mo sa games, hindi mo na maiisip yun,” he stated referring to being cautious on potential injuries.

Bolick had hoped to share that winning mentality with the Firebonds, knowing that if they hit their stride, they could get promoted to the B1 division.

“Pag nakikita naman nila yung effort sa game, for sure magkakahawaan yan. Sana madala ko yung mentality na iyon dito para manalo kami at ma-promote sa B1,” Bolick explained.

While his Japan B.League stint was short-lived, all is not lost for the native of Leyte. He is back home and it will only be a matter of time before he suits up once again.

That winning mentality of Bolick will remain and Filipino fans will surely eagerly await that from him once everything has settled down.