Robert Bolick has always been the kind of player who leads by example — driving hard to the rim, setting up teammates, and showing up in big moments. But this season with the NLEX Road Warriors, he’s embracing a bigger role: helping the team’s young guns find their voice and make their mark in the PBA.

At the top of that list? Xyrus Torres and JB Bahio — two promising players who have shown flashes of talent, but who Bolick believes are just getting started.

Mentorship in Action

Bolick has been clear about what he wants to do: help these younger players grow into reliable contributors. In interviews, he’s praised their work ethic and attitude but said what they need most now is confidence.

“These guys have the tools,” Bolick said. “They just need to break out of their shell and trust their game.”

That’s a big statement coming from one of the team’s top leaders — and it shows how invested Bolick is in the team’s future, not just the present.

The Players to watch

Xyrus Torres is already showing signs of what he can become. With a smooth shooting stroke and solid instincts, he’s had games where he’s looked ready for a bigger role. Scoring 18 points in one outing recently gave fans a glimpse of his potential. The next step? Doing it consistently.

JB Bahio, on the other hand, is the type of player every team needs — physical, hardworking, and unafraid to get into the gritty parts of the game. He’s contributed with rebounds, hustle plays, and energy off the bench. While his numbers may not always pop off the stat sheet, his presence is felt in the little things.

Why it matters for NLEX

Having younger players like Torres and Bahio step up is huge for a team like NLEX.

With Bolick handling a lot of the offensive workload, getting support from the bench and role players can make the difference in tight games. If Torres can knock down shots with consistency and Bahio can lock down defensively, the team becomes deeper, more flexible, and more dangerous.

This also sets a tone for the rest of the roster — that growth is expected, and that everyone has a role to play.

The Road Ahead Won’t Be Easy

Of course, stepping into a bigger role takes time. Both Torres and Bahio will need to navigate the ups and downs that come with increased minutes — missed shots, defensive mistakes, tough matchups. But that’s part of the process.

The important thing is that they have someone like Bolick encouraging them to keep pushing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep believing in themselves.

Small Steps Lead to Big Impact

It might not happen overnight, but with steady improvement, both players could become key contributors by mid-season. A few clutch plays, a breakout game, or a strong showing in a close win — all it takes is a moment to shift the momentum.

Bolick knows that. That’s why he’s not just talking about stats — he’s talking about mindset, responsibility, and growth.

Final Thoughts

This season, NLEX is looking to make noise in the PBA, and while veterans like Bolick will lead the way, it’s the development of players like Torres and Bahio that could really take the team to the next level.

With the right guidance, the right opportunities, and the confidence to step into the spotlight, these young players could go from prospects to impact players.

And with Bolick backing them every step of the way, they’ve got the best possible support to do just that.