Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
For all of his struggles throughout this 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup stint, Robert Bolick had longtime girlfriend Aby Maraño to lean on.
Bolick was in familiar position in the Cignal-San Beda’s Game 3 duel against Racal on Thursday with the Hawkeyes staring at a 43-35 deficit at halftime.
With the Hawkeyes playing lackluster in the first half, Marano gave Bolick an earful as he walked from the dugout back to the bench.
That seemed to have lit a fire under the Conference Most Valuable Player, as he churned out a better showing in the second half to finish with 14 points, seven assists, and four rebounds in the Hawkeyes’ 81-78 Game 3 conquest to win the title.
Bolick knows how big of an impact Maraño’s tough but encouraging words made in Game 3.
“She won a couple of championships. She is a huge inspiration for me and I truly listened to her words and played like a champion today,” he said.
Bolick didn’t shy away from admitting that he has Maraño to thank for all of the triumphs he has collected since jumping to San Beda, saying that he wouldn’t be in this position if hadn’t been for her.
“I’m with an MVP and a leader who plays like a beast. She really helped me a lot and I’m happy that she does that for me,” he said. “All of my achievements, half of that is for my teammates, my family, and especially for Aby.”