HERE’S a good example of how familiarity among players bolsters a team’s campaign.
NLEX carries a 7-2 record for second in the homestretch of the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations.
For good reason.
While main man Robert Bolick remains as the Road Warriors’ heart and soul, forward Javee Mocon is fast proving his worth, thanks mainly to Bolick, his college teammate at San Beda University in the NCAA.
“Robert knows me. But it’s different now. Noong college kami, I was playing the four and siya the same lang,” Mocon said.
“It’s a different Robert Bolick now. He can control (the game),” he added.
The 6-foot-3 Mocon’s sentiments came on the heels of a 23-point, nine-round effort against, incidentally, one of his previous two teams in Phoenix, which NLEX eliminated 105-95 over the weekend.
Mocon, 30, was tabbed sixth by Rain or Shine in 2018 before he was shipped to the Fuel Masters for Nick Demusis and two future draft picks three years ago.
In yet another up-and-down stint with Phoenix, the Guagua, Pampanga native was dealt to NLEX for Ato Ular and a 2025 second-round pick last year.
Despite his ward’s early struggles, Road Warriors coach Jong Uichico could not underscore more the value of Mocon.
“Noong nakaraang conference, nalilito si Javee, at maski ako nalilito kung saan ko siya ilalagay, sa kuwatro ba o sa tres,” Uichico said. “Pero ngayon he’s a three, so malaki na iyong nai-adjust niya, at malaking bagay sa amin si Javee.
Mocon agreed, saying: “Mahal na ako ni coach ngayon. I think oo naman (nagse-settle na ako). All the burden is on Robert Bolick, so I just play off kung ano iyong inilalaro niya.”
Having played seven seasons already in the pro league should be enough for Mocon to make the adjustments despite suiting up for three different crews.
“There’s always a chip on my shoulder, whatever team, Rain or Shine or Phoenix,” Mocon said.
“I just have to prove, not to anybody, but to myself that I have a value and I can still play at a high level.”
Bolick and Mocon won three titles together with the Red Lions and they want nothing but to taste that winning feeling again this time in Asia’s pioneering pro league.
And Bolick is helping Mocon gain his confidence and fire back.
“The usual, nagyayabang na naman. Siya (Bolick) daw bumuhay ng career ko,” Mocon said in jest. “Pero ano lang iyon, katuwaan lang.”
