ROBERT Bolick of Northport takes a breather during their game against Blackwater in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. Bolick fired 26 points to lead the Batang Pier to a 117-91 victory. ROMAN PROSPERO

Rookie Robert Bolick proved to be as good as advertised, towing the souped-up Northport into a huge 117-91 debut win over Blackwater in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tabbed as the third overall pick in the Annual Rookie Draft last month, the freshman out of San Beda University poured 12 points in the first half where the Batang Pier turned an early 26-38 deficit into a 55-48 lead at the break.

There was no stopping Bolick since then as he orchestrated the offense of the Batang Pier, who ballooned the lead to as many as 29 points en route to a huge victory.

With this, Northport gained a share of lead with opening-day winner Ginebra.

“Bolick complemented very well with our team. He quickly blended into our system and in our chemistry coming off a whole year campaign last season,” said head coach Pido Jarencio.

“We’re taking this season one game at a time. We still got a long way to go but we’re ready to compete with anybody. We’re ready for this season.”

Bolick finished with a game-high 26 points on a sizzling 10-of-12 shooting to go with three rebounds and three assists in 35 minutes of play.

Bolick’s 26 points was the highest points scored by a debuting rookie in nine years or since Sol Mercado erupted for 29 points against Air 21 back in the Philippine Cup in 2009.

As good as his debut was, Jarencio is not giving all the praises yet to the three-time National Collegiate Athletic Association champion so that he will maintain the hunger to improve and reach his full potential.

“I’m giving him a rating of eight out of 10 in his debut,” said Jarencio.

“But Bolick is really good. He‘s made for the PBA. He’s a winner and most importantly, he’s very coachable.”

Last season’s Most Valuable Player runner-up, scoring champion and Mythical Team member Stanley Pringle took a backseat for his newest backcourt partner, settling for just 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and six steals.

Four more players scored in double figures for the Batang Pier led by Paolo Taha, Sean Anthony, Mo Tautua and Bradwyn Guinto who had 21, 19, 16 and 12 points, respectively.

On the other hand, seventh overall pick Abu Tratter also had his shining debut with a team-high 18 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks for the Elite.

Roi Sumang added 16 points while the rookie draft’s surprise fourth overall pick Paul Desiderio fizzled with five points.

Northport will troop back to warzone on Sunday when it collides with NLEX at the Smart Araneta Coliseum while Blackwater seeks to rebound against Meralco on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.