NORTHPORT star Robert Bolick is moving to the Japan B.League, after all.
The 6-foot-1 gunner is reportedly set to bring his acts to the Land of the Rising Sun in a move that was supposed to happen four months ago.
Bolick will join Division 2 team on a two-year pact, with his transfer expected to be made official next week.
He was already in Taiwan last February to sign a contract with Taichung in T1 last March 2, but the Batang Pier used their 30-day matching period– the time after which he can get a letter of clearance from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. Bolick opted to go back to the country and signed a deal until the end of the last PBA Governors’ Cup with NorthPort.
In the first year of his contract, he will reportedly earn a monthly salary of $30,000, which will increase to $35,000 per month in the second year.
Additionally, if he can lead his team to Division 1 in his second season, he will be entitled to a bonus, bringing his monthly salary to $40,000.
With all bonuses included, the total value of Bolick’s two-year contract is estimated to be between $700,000 to $1,000,000.
The likes of Dwight Ramos, brothers Javi and Juan Gomez de Liaño and Kobe Paras chose to bring their acts to the Japan B.League last year.
SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos, Justin Gutang, Rhenz Abando followed suit this year in the Korean Basketball League, while Jason Brickman has suited up in Taiwan.
PBA stars such as Kiefer Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Matthew Wright, Greg Slaughter, and free agents Roosevelt Adams and Jay Washington have also seen action in Japan.
Prized 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto also saw action in the National Basketball League of Australia and is now proving his worth in the fledgling Japan league.
Tabbed third overall in the 2019 draft, Bolick, a former San Beda University ace, averaged 20.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game while shooting 44% from the field.