Javee Mocon says reuniting with Robert Bolick helped him regain form at NLEX

The NLEX Road Warriors have enjoyed an impressive run in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup and continued that run on Monday, June 2, by defeating the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 105–93, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Central to their victory was the performance of forward Javee Mocon, who delivered his best game in an NLEX jersey. The 30-year-old scored 23 points—a team-high for the Road Warriors—while also adding nine rebounds and three assists.

His performance ensured that his former team, Phoenix, was eliminated from playoff contention in the Philippine Cup, and Mocon admitted that he had extra motivation to perform against them.

“There is always a chip on my shoulder. I had to prove—not to anyone, but to myself—na I have value,” Mocon said in the post-match press conference.

Selected as the sixth overall pick by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2018 PBA Draft, it can be argued that Mocon has yet to fully live up to his potential in the league. He has taken time to adjust at NLEX, something that head coach Jong Uichico also acknowledged.

NLEX’s Javee Mocon and coach Jong Uichico after the win vs. Phoenix. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/q7t8RwvYiv

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) June 1, 2025

“Nung nakaraang conference, nalilito si Javee, at maski ako nalilito kung saan ko siya ilalagay—sa kwatro ba o sa tres. Pero ngayon, he is a three, so malaki na yung na-adjust niya, at malaking bagay sa amin si Javee,” Uichico stated.

Mocon paid tribute to NLEX superstar—and his former San Beda teammate—Robert Bolick for helping him regain his form.

“I think oo naman, nagse-settle na ako. All the burden is on Robert Bolick eh, so I just play off kung ano yung nilalaro niya. Nagyayabang na naman, siya raw bumuhay ng career ko. But Robert knows me. Pero it’s different now. Nung college kami, I was the four, siya the same position, pero he’s a generational talent. He can control the game, and I get to feed off that, so malaking bagay talaga siya,” he added.

The Road Warriors have all but secured their place in the Philippine Cup playoff stage, as they are currently second with a 7–2 win-loss record. They will look to continue their good form when they face the Magnolia Hotshots on Friday, June 6, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

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