Robert Bolick Wants to Lift Teammates—But Elevating NLEX Won’t Be Easy
Robert Bolick is on a mission—not just to win games, but to raise the profile and confidence of his NLEX teammates. The star guard has taken on more than just a leadership role this conference; he’s trying to transform the Road Warriors from a mid-tier squad into a legitimate PBA contender by empowering the younger, lesser-known players around him.
And so far, it’s working.
At 6-1, NLEX is tied for the best record in the PBA Philippine Cup, a stunning turn for a team that many analysts had pegged as a fringe playoff squad. Much of that success can be credited to Bolick, who has not only carried the scoring load but has embraced the challenge of making his teammates better.
“Kapag tinignan mo ‘yung mga pangalan ng mga players namin, hindi sila ganun ka-sikat,” said Bolick. “Pero pag nakita niyo sila sa practice, grabe sila mag-trabaho.”
Indeed, NLEX’s supporting cast—particularly rookies Xyrus Torres, Brandon Ramirez, and JB Bahio—have stepped up. All three are new to the league, and all three played crucial roles in the team’s 88-83 win over Converge. Torres led the way with 18 points, Bahio added 9 points and 9 rebounds, while Ramirez chipped in 8 points and 2 boards.
Bolick, meanwhile, orchestrated the offense with 19 points and 10 assists—his second double-double of the conference.
“Tatapang ng mga bata. Wala akong masabi sa mga rookies namin. Hopefully, pag nilalabas din namin ‘yung mga pangalan nila, sumikat at mabigyan sila ng magandang kontrata,” Bolick said, clearly aware of how basketball careers—especially rookie ones—can be fleeting.
Bolick’s motivation isn’t just about basketball. It’s about helping his teammates secure better futures. “Siyempre may mga pamilya din ‘yun, nasa rookie contract. At least, kahit papaano, nakakatulong ako sa kanila na umangat ‘yung laro nila.”
It’s a noble goal—and one that speaks volumes about Bolick’s growth as a leader. According to him, this focus on team development isn’t new; it started in the offseason in conversations with head coach Frankie Lim.
“Sabi ni coach, dapat hindi lang ‘yung bigyan mo tapos tira lang. Bigyan mo rin sila ng kumpiyansa na kaya rin nila umatake.”
The Bigger Challenge Lies Ahead
But as inspiring as Bolick’s objective is, the road ahead gets tougher.
Their next opponent? Defending champion Meralco, a squad hungry to rediscover its winning form after a shaky start to the conference. And as the eliminations near their end, the intensity and physicality of games will only increase.
More importantly, opposing defenses will now be better prepared for NLEX’s schemes, especially with the growing attention on Bolick. That means those same young players he’s lifting up will now have targets on their backs. It’ll be a true test of whether NLEX’s early success is sustainable or if it was just a hot start.
Final Thought
Bolick’s goal to elevate his teammates speaks to his character and commitment to team success. It’s a refreshing approach in a league where stat-padding and star-centric play can often dominate.
But intentions alone won’t win championships. As teams adjust, NLEX’s true depth and resilience will be tested. Bolick may be doing everything right, but this feel-good story will soon face the gritty realities of playoff basketball. Still, even if the climb gets steep, one thing is clear: NLEX is no longer a team anyone can overlook—and Robert Bolick is the reason why.
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