NorthPort is currently in talks to bring Robert Bolick back wearing a Batang Pier jersey in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
Bolick has just returned after his stint with the Fukushima Firebonds in the Japan B2 League and Marvin Espiritu, the player’s manager, said the ongoing discussions are “purely exploratory.”
Head coach Bonnie Tan and team manager Erick Arejola admit they have been in touch with Espiritu in relation to a possible comeback since NorthPort owns Bolick’s playing rights.
“We’re still talking, nothing more,” wrote Arejola in a Viber message to DAILY TRIBUNE.
Supporting Arejola’s claim was Tan, who just steered the Batang Pier’s 108-103 victory over Terrafirma on Friday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“I don’t know if we can use the word negotiations, but they’re still talking,” Tan added.
Espiritu, who just came back from the United States, is being updated by Bolick, whose family is currently in Cebu right now.
“They’re still in talks regarding the possibility of him playing for them, but not in deep talks,” Espiritu said.
However, Espiritu swears that a PBA return is not out of the picture.
“But if the question is about the possibility of him playing in the PBA, then that’s really possible considering Robert’s situation now.”
The Firebonds decided to release Bolick from a two-year contract as he had to be with pregnant wife Cassandra.
According to Espiritu, Bolick is trying to get himself settled first.
“He is still looking for a place to stay in Manila because his house here is currently being rented as the initial plan is for him to stay in Japan for two years,” Espiritu said.
“He had already sold his vehicle as well, so he needs to purchase a new one. So right now, his movements are limited.”
But Espiritu added that he’ll have a chance to talk with NorthPort management on Sunday regarding Bolick’s situation.
