Elorde, NorthPort have big shoes to fill in Bolick’s absence

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—A vital part of NorthPort’s offense, Robert Bolick absence was largely felt in the Batang Pier’s first game without their prized rookie.

Bolick is out for at least six months due a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and the Batang Pier’s fluidity on offense disappeared as they lost to Alaska 106-99 in the PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Taking Bolick’s place in the starting lineup was Nico Elorde, who had his fair share of assists with seven but struggled to find his shot, going 0-of-4 from the field.

“Robert’s absence was really a big thing for us, but it is what it is so we just have to move on,” said Elorde in Filipino. “We really lacked the ball movement, the play just stops because we always end up shooting it prematurely.”

“We should get everyone involved.”

Before the loss to the Aces, NorthPort averaged 22.1 assists a game under Bilick’s leadership but the Batang Pier tallied just 13 dimes against the Aces.

Elorde, who’s been in the league since 2015, said moving the ball around was his responsibility and admitted that he rushed things and relied more on his personal quickness when running the plays.

“As a point guard I have to figure things out right away,” said Elorde. “You can’t just blitz your way through everything.”