By REYNALD MAGALLON
Former NorthPort star Robert Bolick is joining the B.League Division II after signing up with Fukushima Firebonds, his new team announced on Monday, May 15.
Bolick, whose contract with the Batang Pier expired last April and opted out on a contract extension, reportedly agreed to a two-year deal to join the Firebonds who are looking to pull all the stops to get a promotion to the Division I.
The decision ended the San Beda standout’s stint in NorthPort where he became the face of the franchise for the past five years since he was drafted third overall during the 2018 rookie draft.
“I am very grateful to be a part of Fukushima Firebonds. I am honored to be a player on this team and show my skills and abilities as I strive to reach new heights with my new family. I can’t wait to play in front of you,” said Bolick in the team announcement.
Bolick will be tasked to improve Fukushima which narrowly missed the playoffs by one more win after recording a 28-32 record in the regular season.
The role, though, is certainly something not strange for Bolick having been the Batang Pier’s best offensive weapon during his eight conference stay with the team.
That rings true even in his last Governors’ Cup where the 6-foot-2 do-it-all guard averaged 21.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.14 assists.
The splendid final season with NorthPort also saw Bolick put up two 30-plus points explosions and a career-high 44 points in a game between NorthPort and Meralco in the Commissioners’ Cup.
Despite the fine play though, winning remained elusive for Bolick and the Batang Pier, having been in the playoffs only five times and once in the semifinals .
