Bolick signs with Division 2 club Fukushima

Explosive guard Robert Bolick is officially joining Japan’s B2 League after inking a two-year pact with the Fukushima Firebonds.

The team made the announcement on Monday, May 15 through its official social media platform.

“I am very grateful and blessed to be a part of Fukushima Firebonds,” Bolick said in an official statement posted at Fukushima’s Instagram account. “I’m truly honored to represent this team and showcase my skills and talent to achieve greater heights together with this new family. Can’t wait to play in front of you all, soon!”

Bolick’s new pact with Japan officially ended months of speculation as to the future direction of the former NorthPort guard’s pro career.

With his ability to score at will and excellent playmaking skill, the 27-year-old former San Beda star is expected to boost Fukushima, which fell short of its B2 playoffs goal. The Firebonds registered a mediocre 28-32 win-loss record in their most recent season campaign.

Bolick, NorthPort’s third overall pick in the 2018 PBA Draft, submitted solid numbers of 21.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.14 assists in 36.3 minutes of play in the 2022-23 PBA Governors’ Cup.

The 2022-23 PBA season also saw Bolick explore for two 30-plus point games and a career-high 44-point explosion in NorthPort’s 101-95 win against Meralco in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Bolick is the latest PBA cager to move overseas and play in Japan, following the footsteps of the Ravena brothers Kiefer and Thirdy, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Matthew Wright, Greg Slaughter, Kai Sotto, Roosevelt Adams, among others.