Facing his former team for the first time left a bittersweet feeling for NLEX gunner Robert Bolick.
The prolific scorer torched NorthPort with 31 points as the Road Warriors eked out a 107-100 overtime win to open their campaign in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup last Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“First of all, happy. It’s a mixed feeling, actually. I saw my (former) teammates, of course, before I’m also a leader with that team,” Bolick said.
The 28-year-old guard shot nine-of-22 from the field and sank 10 of his 13 free throws including a pair of go-ahead charities that shattered a 100-100 deadlock with 1:27 left in overtime.
It was Bolick’s first game against the Batang Pier, who selected him third overall pick in the 2018 draft. He played for NorthPort until the end of last season before moving to Japan to play for Fukushima Firebonds in the B.League second division.
NLEX acquired Bolick’s playing rights in a three-team trade deal also involving NorthPort and San Miguel.
“We still try to catch up and you can’t take away that I developed a bond with that team because that’s the team that drafted me. I know very well how they play,” Bolick said.
“But I’m happy we won.”
Bolick added that he’s happy to see the growth of his former squad.
“I’m happy for them. They have a great lineup, a bigger one actually. But I’m happy with my teammates now, like Tony (Semerad), they gave their hearts in this game,” he said.
Bolick, who had five rebounds, five assists and a steal, cooled off after the regulation as played through overtime without a field goal.
