MANILA, Philippines–NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio was confident his prized rookie Robert Bolick could easily readjust to the style of play in the PBA after the latter’s national team stint.
“That’s a youngster. He just needs two, three days to regain his groove,” he said in a previous interview. “Also, he knows this team very well.
That couldn’t be more evident in the Batang Pier’s first outing in the season-ending conference on Friday night at MOA Arena in Pasay.
Bolick, who was coming off a Gilas campaign in the Fiba World Cup in China, fired 20 points and dished out five assists off the bench to join Mychal Ammons in leading NorthPort past Rain or Shine.
“He’s a natural,” Jarencio said of his young ward, noting that he has benefitted from his international experience.
“Of course, his confidence improved. He is, after all, was playing against the best in the world,” he said.
“For the whole off-season, he wasn’t with us because I asked him to focus on Gilas,” the outspoken mentor added. “But you could see just how intelligent he is. He easily jelled with our new players.”
It wasn’t only Jarencio who rained praises on the returning Bolick. Sean Anthony, Batang Pier’s skipper, felt that his teammate did a commendable job leading the team—especially during his absence.
“He stepped up big,” the injured forward said. “We’re able to close it out and Rob hit those two big free throws to close out the game.”
“It’s good to see him close (the game) out,” he added.
For Bolick, who hit a couple of pressure-packed freebies to put the Painters away for good, said he was merely playing in his own brand of basketball.
“I’m just setting up my teammates, finding who’s open, moving the ball, being a leader since I’m a point guard,” he said. “I just played my game.”
And after an unproductive campaign in the world stage, Bolick said there’s a feeling of relief in finally tabbing a victory.
“Back on a winning note. I just hope we’re able to keep at it,” he added.
NorthPort finished as the second seed with a twice to beat advantage during the Commissioner’s Cup, but ran into San Miguel Beer in the quarterfinals.
“We’re just enjoying that we’re given a chance at making up for the previous conference. I hope we’re able to all the way,” Bolick said.