With FIBA call-up yet to come, Bolick embraces Asian Games opportunity

LEADER. Robert Bolick in action for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

PSC-POC Media Pool

Robert Bolick is grateful for any opportunity to represent the country as he leads the team seeking to defend Gilas Pilipinas’ throne in the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan 

AT A GLANCE

• Robert Bolick is eager to represent the Philippines in the upcoming FIBA competition and Asian Games, expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
• At 30 years old, Bolick is one of the elder statesmen on the national team, which includes several first-time players, and he aims to guide them while learning from their experiences.
• The team, aiming to defend their title and win gold, believes in their collective talent and shared mindset as they prepare for their matches against Bahrain, Kazakhstan, and China.

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MANILA, Philippines – Robert Bolick is among the players fans believe deserve a spot on Gilas Pilipinas’ lineup for FIBA competition.

While his FIBA return has yet to come, Bolick is grateful for any opportunity to represent the country as he leads the team seeking to defend the Philippines’ throne in the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, this September. 

“I’m probably not the only one — everyone wants to be a part of it,” said Bolick in a mix of Filipino and English when asked about making the FIBA roster. “But at the same time, that’s not our decision to make. This is what’s given to us and we’re still honored to be part of this group.”

“I don’t know if it will happen, but if it does, of course, I’ll be happy.”

Bolick most notably donned the national colors in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China, where he was the Philippines’ youngest player at 23 years old.

He finished the tournament as Gilas Pilipinas’ third-best scorer with 8.6 points behind Andray Blatche (15.8) and CJ Perez (12.6).

But his subsequent stints with the national team have been few and far between. 

After Bolick saw action in a pair of games in 2022 in the Asian Qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup, it took him three years to make the national team again, helping the Philippines retain its title in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. 

Now 30 years old and one of the elder statesmen, Bolick welcomes the chance to show the way for a national team that features multiple first-timers in Adrian Nocum, Sedrick Barefield, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Zavier Lucero, and Brandon Bates. 

“I’m happy to see my fellow PBA players,” said the NLEX star. “I only get to see them play from a distance, and now, we’re all together. I’m happy that I’ll be able to learn from them, and hopefully, they’ll learn from me as well.” 

Also composed of Don Trollano, RJ Abarrientos, Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and possibly, Justin Brownlee, the Nationals seek to become the first back-to-back Asian Games champion since China won in 2006 and 2010. 

While that is a tall order considering the level of playing field, Bolick believes the team can get the job done. 

“My teammates here are all talented, so their expectation is to also win the gold. When we share the same mindset, it’s easier to accomplish that goal,” said Bolick. 

Gilas Pilipinas opens its Asian Games title defense against Bahrain on September 11 before it battles Kazakhstan on September 12 and China on September 14. – Rappler.com