Book Robert Bolick for the FIBA World Cup

Aside from the result, it’s the aspirational stories that keep sports fascinating. Talented as they are, the athletes that we look up to endured challenges before reaching center stage. Robert Bolick is wary of that struggle. But he added another inspirational chapter to his storybook journey after impressive performances in Gilas Pilipinas’ training camp in Spain.

It seemed like the camp mirrored his career from De La Salle University to San Beda College. He was a non-factor in their first scrimmage against Congo as he tallied only two points. The same can be said during their match against the Ivory Coast as fellow rookie CJ Perez outplayed him.

Just like he did before, Bolick went out to prove his worth. Despite the loss, his performance during Gilas’ rematch with the Congolese turned a lot of heads. In just a shade under 28 minutes, the Northport Batang Pier point guard posted 21 points, six rebounds, and an assist. He shot 77.8% from the field, including three conversions from beyond the arc. He was perfect from the free throw line and the two-point range. The former Red Lion did these without a single turnover.

Bolick was just getting started. He ended the training camp on a strong note as he led Gilas with 19 markers, seven boards, and one dime in their repeat win versus the Ivorians. While his marksmanship was not as impressive, he was still able to convert 62.5% of his shots and drained all eight free throws. He had one turnover in 24 minutes of action.

Then and now, it seems that he is still playing with a chip on his shoulder. No wonder he is cherishing this call of duty for flag and country. The ball is in the hands of Coach Yeng Guiao and the rest of the Gilas coaching staff whether to include him in the final roster for the FIBA World Cup.

But with the roars he unleashed in those two games, he has earned the right to continue his act in the grandest basketball stage in the world. That would be a feather in the cap of this man who refused to lose on the hard court and in life.

(Photo taken from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas)