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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider No regrets for NLEX as Bolick's Gilas gig proved costly

No regrets for NLEX as Bolick's Gilas gig proved costly

Published Dec 25, 2025 11:57 am  |  Updated Dec 25, 2025 01:21 pm

At A Glance

  • There is no issue whatsoever for both NLEX head coach Jong Uichico and star guard Robert Bolick that they found themselves in a difficult position in the PBA Season 50 playoffs after lending the latter to Gilas Pilipinas for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.

There is no issue whatsoever for both NLEX head coach Jong Uichico and star guard Robert Bolick that they found themselves in a difficult position in the PBA Season 50 playoffs after lending the latter to Gilas Pilipinas for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.

The Road Warriors were fighting for the top spot prior to Bolick’s SEA Games stint but ended up spiraling down to the No. 8 spot with a 6–5 record.

NLEX ended the eliminations on a three-game losing skid and ended up at twice-to-win disadvantage against top seed San Miguel.

But for Uichico, no sacrifice is too costly with national pride at stake.

“Sometimes you need to weigh and sacrifice your interest for a bigger interest, which is the national team,” said Uichico.

“Nakita naman natin na hirap na hirap si coach Norman (Black) na mabuo ‘yung team. Many things have happened and we decided to help out in our own little way.”

Uichico stressed that the team never regretted loaning Bolick to the national team.

“Pag tumulong ka, huwag mo ng tingnan kung ano nangyari sa inyo kasi tumulong ka. Basta tumulong ka, iyon na iyon. Kusang-loob kayong tumulong so whatever happens no regrets,” he added.

Bolick, likewise, said his decision to suit up for the national wouldn’t change even if it meant for NLEX missing out on the coveted twice-to-beat advantage. For one, the Road Warriors have given full blessing to his gig.

“Hindi naman talaga kami nakalineup pero yun nga nagkaproblema. Tinanong NLEX kung pwede ako, tinanong ako kung pwede ako. Siyempre, for the country bakit hindi?,” said Bolick.

“Happy din ako na pinayagan ako ni NLEX team governor Ronald Dulatre at ni coach Jong Uichico at binigyan ako ng opportunity na marepresent ang country,” he added.

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