After bolting out of Japan team pact, Bolick has PBA return as unlikely option

Japan B.League Filipino import Robert Bolick.

Plenty of scenarios can be considered in the future of Robert Bolick after personal matters relating to his pregnant wife played a significant role in his decision to abruptly end a lucrative professional stint in Japan.

“Once cleared, his options are now open,” his agent Marvin Espiritu told the Inquirer when asked of Thursday’s announcement that the B.League second division side Fukushima Firebonds had granted Bolick’s request to be released from his contract.

Options could include another tour of duty overseas, or an unlikely return to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), where he blossomed into an ace gunner for NorthPort.

Bolick and NorthPort didn’t come to terms on a new deal last February, and the PBA ballclub was forced to finish the remainder of the season-ending Governors’ Cup without their best player.

“Of course in the PBA, his playing rights will be with NorthPort,” said Espiritu.

A decision won’t be determined in the immediate future, understandably. Bolick flew back to Manila at presstime along with wife Cassandra, who had been with him since the couple arrived in Japan last August.

His better half’s condition, coupled with the setup of playing abroad, prompted Bolick to make a decision.

“His wife is 10 weeks pregnant and the B.League is a home and away format,” Espiritu explained in Filipino. “It’s a bit stressful for them because there will be times that Robert could be away for at least a week to play road games.”

Disappointed fans

Bolick’s release was announced in a press release posted by the Firebonds on their website, with club president Hayde Nishida, based on raw English translations made by mobile apps, admitting the difficult situation.

Bolick only played once in four matches Fukushima had played since the second division season began earlier this month, which turned out to be the opener against the Yamagata Wyverns, where he compiled 10 points, five rebounds and two assists in a 95-90 defeat.

“He was the first player announced [as the new member of the team this season], and he was also a player [we had] great expectations [from] as a club. I think that the boosters (fans) [felt the same],” said Nishida.

“However, he had an intention to leave the team the other day, and we talked about it as a club. But he was firm, and we finally decided to respect his intention.”