Bolick keeps Road Warriors’ impressive run in perspective

NLEx opened the PBA Governors’ Cup with high hopes after a basketball legend returned to take on the team’s head coaching duties.

An unbeaten run has turned those hopes into championship expectations.

Article continues after this advertisement

If Robert Bolick chose to be wary, it’s because he has seen this before—last conference, to be exact. And he understands that strong starts can unravel at the most inopportune moment.

“We haven’t proven anything yet,” Bolick told the Inquirer after the Road Warriors’ 88-83 victory over the TNT Tropang 5G last Tuesday.

Funny thing about that team they beat: It was also TNT that taught Bolick and his teammates a lesson on how strong starts can quickly unravel.

In the previous tournament, NLEx finished the Commissioner’s Cup elimination round with a league-leading 10-2 record.

Article continues after this advertisement

In the quarterfinals, however, the Road Warriors ran into Bol Bol and the Tropang 5G, who booted them out in two games.

“We have to stay grounded and look at every game. Hopefully, when the important games come, we’ll be ready,” Bolick said.

“We’ve been here multiple times already. Not having any experience is no excuse now. We’ve felt this multiple times. Hopefully what happened last conference won’t happen again.

Article continues after this advertisement

“It’s on us this time.”

NLEx is now being handled by former TNT hotshot and national team legend Jimmy Alapag, who is fresh from his stint in the NBA as Sacramento’s developmental coach.

Alapag has the Road Warriors on a 6-0 cruise to lead Group A.

But the team’s previous mishaps have hardened Bolick, who refuses to fall into complacency.

“I’ve been telling my teammates, other teams have the right to relax or go hard in the playoffs, but not us. We haven’t proven anything. Every game, we need to learn more,” he said.

NLEx takes on lowly Terrafirma on Friday.