San Beda's Robert Bolick is the 2017 Collegiate Player of the Year. Handout photo

MANILA, Philippines – San Beda University guard Robert Bolick did what no other NCAA player had ever done last week, when he was named the Collegiate Player of the Year by the UAAP-NCAA Press Corps.

Remarkably, it was the first individual award that Bolick had received for his exploits in the 2017 collegiate season. Despite a sensational campaign for San Beda in the NCAA Season 93 men's basketball tournament, Bolick was disqualified from any honors after he was controversially ejected in a game against De La Salle-College of St. Benilde.

He also missed out on the Finals MVP trophy even though his crunch-time heroics powered the Red Lions to the NCAA crown against the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates. It was his teammate, Donald Tankoua, who received the award.

However, the UAAP-NCAA Press Corps was not about to let Bolick's superb season go unrecognized. He became the first player from the NCAA to earn the top individual award, with Bolick formally receiving his prize last Thursday at the 2018 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Basketball Awards at The Bayleaf Intramuros.

READ: NCAA 94 opens with San Beda vs ex-coach Frankie Lim and Perpetual

"Ang meaning lang noon, mahal na mahal niyo ako, kaya mahal na mahal ko kayo lahat eh," Bolick told reporters after the brief ceremony, where he also received an additional prize of P10,000 from Chooks-to-Go.

That Bolick was even able to attend the proceedings was a minor miracle, considering the inclement weather. But San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez was not about to let his star player miss the ceremony.

"Sabi ko nga sa kanya, you must be proud about it, it's your responsibility to (attend)," said Fernandez. "Even though baha, umuulan, talagang sabi ko you have to come. I'm happy that he's here to thank you for everything, for the support."

Bolick braved the pouring rain and the flooded streets of Intramuros, booking an Angkas to get to the venue in time. He shrugged off the stress of his unusual commute afterward, saying: "Ang sarap pala mag-Angkas, ano?"

Yet Bolick only very briefly basked in his moment of personal triumph. While grateful to be named as the Player of the Year, the senior guard was quick to turn the conversation to San Beda's upcoming campaign in the league.

The Red Lions will be seeking a third consecutive men's basketball crown, and Bolick stressed that the championship is the only thing that is on his mind.

"Sa akin kasi wala talaga ang individual, kahit pa next year, ma-thrown out pa ako, wala akong paki-alam," he said.

"Basta, I just want to wai visionin. Championship talaga ang nasa isip ko. Wala akong individual, ang individual ibigay mo na sa kanila. All I want is a championship," added Bolick.

They just have two weeks left before they officially open their NCAA Season 94 campaign, and Bolick feels that the Red Lions are ready. However, he also acknowledged that this year will be even tougher than usual for them.

After all, they lost a couple of key pieces from last year's team in Ben Adamos and Davon Potts. More importantly, several teams in the league have ramped up their preparation in a bid to knock San Beda off the throne.

"I guess ito 'yung pinaka-mahirap na season para sa amin. Letran, may magaling sila," Bolick noted.

"Nananalo na ng championships 'yung Lyceum," he also pointed out. "They've won D-League. So if ever mag-harap kami sa championship, wala na 'yung championship experience. I think alam na nila gaano kasarap mag-champion. So mas mahirap sila talunin ngayon, so they're more veteran."

Still, Bolick said the Red Lions will be ready for all comers. Personally, he is also ready to lead the team, in what will be his final season with San Beda.

"Sa loob ng court, hindi na talaga ako magpapatalo kahit sino pa 'yan. Pinapanood ko 'yung mga idol ko, sila Calvin Abueva, hindi naman nagpapatalo 'yang mga 'yan," he said.

"For me, losing, hindi nangyayari. For me, losing, sinasabi ko sa sarili ko, experience lang. Hindi talo, experience lang. Ayaw ko sabihin, talo. Walang taong matatalo as long as you work hard," Bolick stressed.

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