NLEX gave returning coach Jong Uichico a fitting welcome back in the PBA.
Robert Bolick flirted with a triple double, while import Myke Henry had a double-double in a 104-87 Road Warriors blowout win over the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Governors Cup Thursday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It was the first game back for Uichico as head coach in the last eight years or since manning the bench for TNT until 2016.
The 62-year-old mentor said he can now heave a sigh of relief after winning his first game with the Road Warriors right in their season debut.
"Medyo nakahinga na. Makakatulog na ako mamayang gabi kahit isang beses lang bago ng laro (against Phoenix)," said a smiling Uichico after the game.
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Bolick and Henry made sure their new coach will have a good night sleep the way they performed against the Bossing.
The 28-year-old guard out of San Beda had an all-around game of 24 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists, while the import finished with 31 points and 10 rebounds.
"Gusto namin bigyan si coach Jong ng first win niya. Sa tagal-tagal niya nakabalik naman," said Bolick.
Uichico admitted there's always pressure whenever you're gunning for a first ever win.
"Medyo nape-pressure ka kung tama ba yung ginawa mo nung off season, kung tama ba yun. Kasi siyempre iba yung assistant ka sa Gilas, assistant ka sa NLEX. Iba yun, e," said the fourth winningest coach in PBA history.
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"Pero pag nandun ka na, ibang usapan na yan. Ikaw na nagtitimon, ikaw na ang lahat. So lahat nasa iyo," he added. "Medyo nakahinga. Siyempre first game, first win."
The Road Warriors play their next game on Sunday against the Fuel Masters.(RG)
