NORTHPORT just did San Miguel Beer a big favor on this one.
While the deal that shipped prolific guard Robert Bolick from the Batang Pier to the NLEX Road Warriors appeared to be the highlight of a blockbuster three-team, multi-player trade that also involved the Beermen yesterday, armchair pundits were left flabbergasted by what came next.
In return, NorthPort acquired big man Ben Adamos, guard Kris Rosales, wingman Don Trollano and NLEX’s second round draft pick next season in the transactions that got the greenlight from PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial.
The Batang Pier promptly sent Trollano to SMB in exchange for bench players Allyn Bulanadi, Jeepy Faundo, and the Beermen’s second round selection in the pro league’s 51st season.
So, NorthPort ended up with Rosales, Adamos, two role cagers and a draft choice three years from now, while SMB bolstered its line-up with Trollano.
The 6-foot-3 Trollano, 31, emerged as the Road Warriors’ top gunner with norms of 19.3 points per game in seven games after Kevin Alas suffered an ACL injury early in the season-opening Commissioner’s Cup.
Trollano will be reunited with former collegiate teammates at Adamson University in Jericho Cruz and Rodney Brondial and with consultant Leo Austria.
NLEX team governor Ronald Dulatre admitted the Frankie Lim-mentored squad is raring to fill in the void caused by Alas’s injury.
Aside from Bolick, the Road Warriors also landed seldom-used playmaker Kent Salado from the Batang Pier.
“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Don, Ben, and Kris for their dedication and hard work with the NLEX Road Warriors,” Dulatre said. “Each of them has played a crucial role in our team’s journey, and we wish them continued success, both on and off the court. In light of Kevin Alas’s unfortunate injury, we recognize the pressing need to fill the void left by his scoring and leadership.
“Robert Bolick is a remarkable player, and we believe his skills and experience will significantly contribute to the NLEX Road Warriors. We are excited about the prospect of having him on our roster and look forward to the positive impact he can make for the team.”
The 6-foot-1 Bolick was released last October by Japan B. League’s Fukushima team after suiting up for just one game this season, scoring 10 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out two assists in 18 minutes against Yamagata last Oct 7.
Bolick’s decision to leave the Land of the Rising Sun came on the heels of his wife Cassandra’s pregnancy.
Bolick’s camp negotiated with NorthPort for a possible return but talks fell apart.
A former San Beda University standout, Bolick signed up with the fledgling league’s second division side last May after his contract with the Mikee Romero-owned ball club expired at the end of the Asia’s first play-for-pay league’s 47th season.
The pact was reportedly a multi-million-peso deal that was two years guaranteed at close to P1 million and had a player’s option for a third season.
Incidentally, Lim led the Red Lions to four NCAA titles from 2007-2011–a time where Bolick was still in high school.
Now, Lim and Bolick have the chance to lead NLEX’s road to a maiden crown.
