NOTHING but love and respect from Robert Bolick to former team Northport.
While he did torch the Batang Pier for 31 points in a 107-99 overtime win by NLEX in their PBA Philippine Cup opening game, Bolick has no ax to grind against the franchise where he spent the first four years of his pro career.
Bolick shooks hands and hugged his former teammates by the end of the game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, and later tried to run after coach Pido Jarencio - now Northport team manager - and team governor Eric Arejola and give them a warm embrace.
"Teammates ko ang mga yun. Dati leader din ako sa team na yun, so pag nakikita ko sila, andiyan yung kamustahan, andiyan pa rin yung pagmamahalan as teammates. May pinag-samahan din naman kami," said the 28-year-old guard.
The fact was not lost on Bolick at how Northport trusted him in the past by selecting him no. 3 overall pick during the 2018 draft and served as its franchise player during his time as a Batang Pier.
Sponsored content:
"Doon ako na-draft so kilala ko kung paano sila maglaro," said Bolick of Northport, now being coached by its former team manager Bonnie Tan.
But he has a job to do now that he's with NLEX, which he led past his former team in a grind out win which also saw him grabbed five rebounds and five assists.
Bolick though is blown away by the current lineup of Northport that is oozing with youth, talent, and athleticism behind Arvin Tolentino, Joshua Munzon, Allyn Bulanadi, the returning William Navarro, JM Calma, and rookies Fran Yu, Cade Flores, Brent Paraiso, and Zav Lucero.
"Masaya ako para sa kanila. Maganda yung lineup nila, ang lalaki nila," noted the veteran guard out of San Beda College.
Bolick ended up at NLEX following a three-team trade last December that involved Northport and San Miguel. (RG)
