Robert Bolick will be staying at NLEX.
This was the response of an insider from the Road Warriors camp when asked if there’s a chance the newly acquired former NorthPort star might be headed to the MVP Group’s flagship team, TNT, soon.
“Walang planong ganyan. Kasi if TNT siya talaga [papunta], dapat sila na ng NorthPort ang nag-usap una pa lang,” said the insider who asked not be named.
NLEX, which gave up Don Trollano, Ben Adamos, Kris Rosales and a future second-round pick for Bolick and Kent Salado, said the former San Beda star will be a key piece for the team especially with Kevin Alas out after a third ACL injury.
“He’ll stay with us. Kevin (Alas) is injured so we’ll need a leader in the backcourt,” said the insider.
If Bolick eventually ends up at TNT, he won’t be the first prized NLEX asset to be moved to the Trpopang Giga – a path previously taken by Poy Erram and Calvin Oftana, as well as the first-round draft pick used to select Mikey Williams.
But with rival teams from the San Miguel bloc winning championships left and right behind souped-up lineups, the MVP Group, according to the insider, now knows the value of bolstering the lineup of its own fleet.
“Upper management (of MVP Group) knows naman the value of allowing this team to also compete,” he said.
When pressed to comment on new NorthPort recruit Trollano ending up at San Miguel after another trade approved by the PBA Commissioner’s Office on Monday, the NLEX insider said no such plan was divulged during the negotiations.
“Hindi namin alam ‘yun. Nung nag-uusap kami, NorthPort lang. Nabasa nga lang namin sa social media na mai-involve SMB,” said the insider. “Pero during the negotiations, Northport lang kausap namin.”
Troy Rosario the next target?
Meanwhile, another source bared that after the trade, NLEX may restart negotiations with Blackwater for Troy Rosario, who is also said to be a San Miguel target.
With June Mar Fajardo injured, the Ramon S. Ang-owned squad has been left with a gaping hole in the middle – which someone like Rosario can fill.