NLEX Road Warriors’ Robert Bolick.–PBA IMAGES
Robert Bolick was made poster boy of the PBA’s four-point shot long before its institution that starts later this week.
But the NLEX guard, known best for his high scoring and making outrageous heaves, isn’t too keen on looking for the four-pointer once the games begin.
“It’s just different when the games are serious,” he told the Inquirer in Filipino. “If the shot’s available, why not? But to look for it, to force it? There’s no way.”
The four-point goal has been in the PBA since 2023 when it was implemented as a gimmick to spice up the All-Star game held in Passi City in Iloilo. Bolick went frosty from that experimental arc, going 0-for-8.
The gimmick was retained in the Bacolod edition of the mid-season extravaganza, with Bolick draining one and getting a foul from Calvin Oftana, nailing the bonus that came with it to end the exhibition in a 140-140 draw. Bolick was ultimately crowned co-MVP with Japeth Aguilar.
“Let’s see what good the shot can cause. All of us are still blind, naked on this new thing. But I know for sure once the games start, the teams will adapt. Let’s see,” Bolick said, adding he’d rather worry about something else than where he’d launch his four-point shot.
That other thing is actually helping Jong Uichico and the Road Warriors to its first crown—something that has been heavily inspired by the recent victory of sister team Meralco.
“We’re glad that they (Bolts) actually captured the title. But at the same time, we’re taking our journey game-by-game,” he said. “And that starts with training.
“Then there’s having the right mindset—that we actually strive to win. And I’m hoping we get to have both this conference,” he added.
Bolick, who is also drawing inspiration from his newborn son Zachary Wardell, said the NLEX mantra is championship or bust in this upcoming 49th PBA season.
“We’re already here competing. So it’s just right that we gun for a championship. I know it’s going to be tough, but I think we are all looking in the right direction,” he said.