MANILA, Philippines — Robert Bolick and Adrian Nocum have developed an early rapport as Gilas Pilipinas prepares to defend its men’s basketball gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The two guards became roommates when the national team gathered for its Asian Games campaign, giving them more time to build their relationship ahead of the tournament.
“Sobrang gaan lang din siyang samahan,” Nocum said of Bolick during a virtual press conference arranged by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Thursday.
Nocum said Bolick has shared his experiences with him and often keeps their time together light with jokes.
“We’re roommates and I’ve learned a lot from him,” Nocum said. “He has a lot of stories to tell and cracks a lot of jokes. He’s just easy to be with.”
Bolick said their friendship developed naturally. He has also supported Nocum’s recently launched clothing business and joked with Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao about recruiting Nocum to NLEX.
“Hindi siya pilitan na samahan. Natural lang talaga,” Bolick said.
Gilas Pilipinas will use an all-PBA lineup for the Asian Games, drawing most of its players from the group that Tim Cone has used in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
The Asian Games also mark Bolick’s return to national team duty nine months after he helped Gilas win the Southeast Asian Games gold medal in Thailand under coach Norman Black.
Cone has allowed assistants Richard del Rosario, Josh Reyes and Jong Uichico to implement a free-flowing offensive system as the team prepares for the tournament.
Gilas is currently in Suwon, South Korea, where it will play two exhibition games against South Korea starting Friday before traveling to Nagoya for the Asian Games.
Bolick and Nocum are part of the 11-man roster that also includes RJ Abarrientos, Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, Zavier Lucero, Don Trollano, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Brandion Bates, Sedrick Barefield and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.
Bolick said the players have maintained their camaraderie while keeping their focus on preparation.
“Everyone has a good sense of humor, but our focus is there whenever we’re on the court,” Bolick said. “It’s nice to be with other guys because you get to learn from them, and you get to learn their strengths and tendencies.”
He added that playing against fellow PBA players also makes them easier to scout.
