NLEX's Jonnel Policarpio in action. PBA Images
RIZAL – The NLEX Road Warriors dedicated their hard-fought 85-84 victory over the San Miguel Beermen to their teammate Robert Bolick, who had to sit out the game.
Bolick was not present during the first assignment of the Road Warriors due to the recent passing of his father.
Jonnel Policarpio, the sophomore who steered NLEX to the comeback in the second half, dedicated the win to his teammate.
"For me, dine-dedicate ko 'yung laro kay Kuya Berto. Alam naman natin 'yung nangyari. Kuya Berto, be strong," he said during the post-game press conference.
READ: PBA: Bolick-less NLEX upsets All-Filipino defending champs San Miguel
NLEX head coach Jong Uichico lauded his wards for all stepping up in the absence of their veteran Bolick. Among those who stepped up were Policarpio, Kevin Alas, and Brandon Ramirez.
"Alam naman namin, malaki epekto nung laro ni Berto sa amin. So it was a collective effort ng lahat in the absence of Berto. And 'yun nga, sabi nga ni Poli, of course, we are trying to dedicate this game to Berto, whose father just passed away nga," he said.
"Lahat ng napasok ko ngayon contributed to the best of their ability. So hindi lang isa, hindi lang dalawa, pero lahat because we have to make up for the absence of si Berto," the bench tactician explained.
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Uichico explained Bolick was supposed to play in Friday's game against San Miguel before leaving the country.
"We understand naman na he wants to be with his father for the last time. So medyo may motivational factor kami in today's game," he shared.
"He was supposed to play, pero basta something happened that he had to leave right away. Pero 'yun nga, kaya hinabol niya 'yung flight. I think it was yesterday yata. Hinabol niya 'yung flight talaga," Uichico added.
Before the PBA's 50th season started, Bolick named Policarpio as one of the "X factors" for the Road Warriors.
The sophomore guard in turn was grateful for the trust from his "kuyas" and coaches, which boost his confidence on the court.
"'Yung tiwalang binibigay sa akin ni Coach Jong and lalo na si Kuya Bert. Every practice, sinasabihan niya ako na gawin mo lang 'yung best mo every kapag nasa loob ka ng court. Pag nasa iyo 'yung bola, isipin mo i-layup mo, i-puntos mo. 'Yung confidence ko sobrang laki," Policarpio said.
For now, the Road Warriors will have to hold the fort until Bolick makes his return.
"I think next week pa [babalik]. Kasi siyempre, miski maglaro siya today, medyo hindi naman siya ano. So I think we should give him some time. Close siya sa father niya. So we should give him as much time as we can para when he comes back, medyo ano na siya, tama na mindset niya," Uichico said.