Gilas rookie Robert Bolcik and CJ Perez. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Robert Bolick and CJ Perez emerged as two of the biggest revelations for Gilas Pilipinas during its training camp in Spain.
The two young guns showed a lot of promise with noteworthy performances in Gilas’ stint in the Torneo de Malaga where it split its two games with a loss to Congo and a victory over Ivory Coast.
Both made a strong case to make the final lineup with Bolick flourishing in big moments and Perez displaying his all-around brilliance.
An inclusion to the Fiba World Cup roster, however, would be just an icing on the cake for the fast-rising guards.
“I’m just playing my game. I thank my teammates for being there for me. But I will support whatever coach Yeng decides because it’s for the country,” said Bolick in Filipino.
“Whether I make the team or not, I will give my all. That’s always been my mentality. This experience alone has already helped my career. I’m happy just being here but of course, it would be an even greater feeling if I make it.”
The prized rookies are also cherishing the moments of sharing the same court with the best players and country and learning from bright basketball minds.
“To experience playing the international game is really something else. Hopefully, I get to apply everything that I experienced here. As a PBA rookie really learned a lot just being in their company,” Perez said in Filipino.