ROBERT Bolick became the latest multiple winner of the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week after his stirring performance in NLEX’s comeback victory over Magnolia propelled the Road Warriors to the first twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals.
But even after dropping 25 points on top of nine rebounds and five assists in defeating Magnolia, 107-99, Bolick felt that most of the credit should be deflected to his teammates.
“I have to take care of the ball,” Bolick said after committing five of his seven turnovers in the first quarter that saw the Road Warriors trail by 19 points. “Pero kagandahan naman, we’re a team. Masama ang laro ko pero nag-pick up ‘yung iba.”
Bolick got help from the likes of Xyrus Torres, Brandon Ramirez, the comebacking Jonnel Policarpio, Matt Nieto and Kevin Alas as they eventually battled back to hand the Hotshots a stinging loss at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Bolick got the nod for June 4 to 8 after waxing hot in the second half, knocking down back-to-back four-pointers before unveiling a couple more triples the rest of the way that eventually sealed NLEX’s eighth win in 10 games for the quarterfinal bonus.
His shooting in the final two quarters prompted some reporters to call Bolick “Haliberto,” referring to Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who led his team to the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It was Bolick’s second Player of the Week for Season 49, joining TNT’s Calvin Oftana, Rain or Shine’s Santi Santillan, NorthPort’s Joshua Munzon, Meralco’s Bong Quinto and Chris Newsome and Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero for having more than one.
Oftana currently has the most this season with three Player of the Week citations.
San Miguel Beer’s CJ Perez and Barangay Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar were also considered for the award given weekly by Press Corps members from print and online who regularly cover the PBA beat.
Bolick’s previous Player of the Week came in late January during the Commissioner’s Cup eliminations.
