MANILA – Robert Bolick Jr. is making a comeback to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after mutually parting ways with the Japan B.League Division 2 team, the Fukushima Firebonds.
According to his agent, Marvin Espiritu, returning to the PBA is the best move for the former San Beda University Red Lions player to prioritize the safety of his wife Cassandra during her pregnancy.
“I think with the circumstances, hindi pa namin napag-uusapan, but it would be safe to say (balik) PBA dahil nga buntis asawa niya at gusto niya safe ‘yung pregnancy,” Espiritu said in an interview with One Sports.
Bolick’s PBA rights are currently held by NorthPort Batang Pier, the team that drafted him third overall in the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft. But there are rumors that he could be traded to one of the three teams affiliated with San Miguel Corporation.
Espiritu clarified that Bolick’s request for release from the Firebonds was solely due to Cassandra’s pregnancy and not related to concerns about playing time after appearing in just one game for the squad.
“‘Yung home-and-away format (ng Japan B.League) is very stressful sa kanila. Towards the course of the season, may mga times na puwede mawala ng at least one week, si Bolick. Walang kasama asawa niya sa bahay,” Espiritu said.
The Firebonds announced on Thursday afternoon the departure of Bolick, whom they tried to convince to finish his two-year guaranteed contract but was persistent on going back to the Philippines.
“We would like to announce the termination of the contract with Robert Bolick,” Fukushima said. “Bolick was the first player to be introduced in this season’s lineup, and the club held high expectations for him. I believe this sentiment was shared by all our supporters.”
“However, Bolick recently expressed his intention to leave the club, and despite numerous discussions, he remained resolute in his decision. In the end, we chose to honor his wishes,” the team added.
In his single game with the Firebonds, Bolick recorded 10 points, five rebounds, and two assists, but they experienced a 95-90 loss to the Yamagata Wyverns, which was bannered by Filipino-American guard Roosevelt Adams./PN
