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MANILA, Philippines – Robert Bolick has developed a strong bond with Stanley Pringle that he cried upon learning that NorthPort traded his mentor and teammate to Barangay Ginebra.
The Batang Pier bid farewell to Pringle, who was drafted first overall by the team in 2014, after shipping him to the Gin Kings in exchange for Sol Mercado, Jervy Cruz, and Kevin Ferrer.
Bolick was informed by his agent Marvin Espiritu that the Pringle trade was pushing through and he admitted he had trouble accepting the development.
“I cried because I wanted to be selfish and I wanted to play with him longer since Stanley is one of the best that I’ve played with in my position,” Bolick told reporters in a mix of Filipino and English.
“We’ve only played together for one conference and I feel like I could learn more from him. Whatever I have now, I learned from him – how to navigate the pick and roll, how to pass to the bigs, how to call plays.”
Both point guards, Bolick said Pringle helped him elevate his game, and that is showing in the Commissioner’s Cup as he averages 17.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists to lead NorthPort to a 6-1 record.
“When I watched him play, I said, ‘Wow! What does this player eat? Why is he so shifty and strong?’ After that, I studied his game. I watched his moves on YouTube and he mentored me.”
Bolick, though, understands that trades are nothing new in the PBA.
“From GlobalPort to NorthPort, he was our franchise player. That’s why he was called Stan the Man, he was our leader. And then this happens? But it’s part of the business.”
“This is the PBA. I thought it’s only in the NBA where blockbuster trades happen. I was shocked,” Bolick said with a laugh.
Although now on different teams, Bolick said he will remain in touch with Pringle, whom he considers as his older brother.
“I’ll still call him and we’ll still workout together even if we’re already opponents because I look up to him. He’s already proven himself and I want to reach his level.” – Rappler.com
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