MANILA, Philippines – To say that Robert Bolick is one of the most successful collegiate basketball players in the country today can be an understatement. 

He has won championships in the NCAA, UAAP, PBA D-League, Filoil Preseason Cup, and recently, bagged the 2018 Collegiate Basketball Awards‘ Collegiate Player of the Year plum. 

But the versatile guard is not shy to admit that he emulates other players to stay at the top of his game. 

Bolick, a member of the national team cadet squad, said he takes some pages from the books of Gilas Pilipinas teammates and Ateneo players Matt Nieto, Thirdy Ravena and Isaac Go. 

“Si Matt, I like how he plays the point guard position. Idol na idol ko siya sa kung paano niya iha-handle ‘yung bola,” said Bolick. “Magaling siya e, ninanakaw ko ‘yung konting galaw niya.”

(I like how Matt plays the point guard position. He is my idol when it comes to ball handling. He is a great point guard and I steal some of his moves.)

“Si Thirdy din, lakas ng katawan, hindi ko naman kayang gawin. Si Isaac din, pareho lang kami ng storya, bench and then worked hard lang.” 

(I also admire Thirdy. He has a strong body, although I cannot do what he does. And I am just like Isaac, we went from bench players to playing big minutes because of hard work.) 

“‘Yung mga galaw nila, chini-cheat ko lang, dinadaya ko lang, pinapanood ko lang, dagdag ko lang nang dagdag sa arsenal ko ‘yung mga ginagawa nila para mag-improve ako nang mag-improve,” he added.

(I watch how they play and I add their moves to my arsenal so I can keep on improving.) 

The 23-year-old is the undisputed leader in San Beda University’s title run in NCAA Season 93. 

Bolick was the catylst for the Red Lions in sweeping the ertswhile undefeated Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates in the best-of-3 championship duel, averaging 23.0 points to give the school its league-leading 21st NCAA title. 

However, he ended the season without taking home an individual award after he was ruled ineligible for a Mythical 5 selection following a controversial ejection in the elimination round and after teammate Donald Tankoua beat him for Finals MVP. 

Still, his efforts did not go unnoticed as scribes from print and online media outfits deemed him worthy of the highest honor – becoming the first Red Lion and NCAA stalwart to be named Player of the Year. 

Bolick, together with Nieto, Ravena, De La Salle University’s Ben Mbala and Lyceum’s CJ Perez, were feted in the Mythical Team in an event presented by Chooks-to-Go at The Bayleaf Intramuros last Thursday, June 22. 

Meanwhile, San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez and Ateneo de Manila University tactician Tab Baldwin were recognized as Coaches of the Year.

Fernandez steered the Red Lions to their 10th title in the last 12 years while Baldwin guided the Blue Eagles to their first championship since 2012 against bitter rivals La Salle. 

Go and Tankoua were named Pivotal Players of the Year, University of the East’s Alvin Pasaol was hailed as Breakout Player of the Year while former National University standout Afril Bernardino was given an Award of Excellence. – Rappler.com