PBA: NorthPort negotiating possible Robert Bolick return

FILE–Former Northport star Robert Bolick. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–NorthPort confirmed Tuesday that it has entered into negotiations with Robert Bolick on a possible return to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after cutting short his stint in Japan’s B.League.

Coach Bonnie Tan was noncommittal when asked if a deal could be reached before the start of the season-opening Commissioner’s Cup.

“Anything’s possible,” Tan said during the PBA Media Day held at 1Esplanade in Pasay City. “Both camps are in talks so let’s wait and see whatever the outcome of our talks.”

Bolick returned to Manila last week after his request to be released from his contract with second division side Fukushima Firebonds was granted.

He played just one game for the Firebonds before Fukushima management allowed Bolick to end his Japanese foray.

One big reason for the sudden decision was the condition of Bolick’s wife, who is 10 weeks pregnant. The couple have been in Japan since August.

“In some ways, we were shocked [that he came back] because we were anticipating that his contract would be a year or two,” said Tan.

The Batang Pier hold the PBA rights of Bolick, who last saw action during the early phase of last season’s PBA Governors’ Cup.

But Tan bared that the two parties have been in contact even before Bolick’s first Japanese game began.

“We kept in touch even when he was in Japan,” said Tan. “There was an interest for him to come back due to personal reasons. We’ve been in talks since Sept. 9.”