The fact that Sta. Lucia Realty has never made it to a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Finals doesn't faze new coach Norman Black.
"We've got a fresh outlook, a fresh start," said Black who's won nine PBA titles and captured a Grand Slam for San Miguel Beer in 1989. "We're at 0-0. Once we start winning, that's how we'll be judged."
Since Sta. Lucia's pro debut in 1993, its loftiest finish was third place in five different conferences. Last season, the Realtors would up last in the All-Filipino, took fourth in the Commissioner's Cup, and missed the semis in the Governor's Cup for an overall record of 17-24, a winning clip of only 41.4 percent--lowest in franchise history.
If there's anyone who can turn things around at Sta. Lucia, it's Black because he knows what winning's all about. To quote a cliché, he's been there and done that.
Black, 42, said despite the new assignment, it's difficult to feel like a rookie coach at this stage of his career. He's been on the job for 16 years.
There is a sense of excitement, if not apprehension, in calling the shots for a team with a losing history. The challenge of engineering a reversal is daunting. Black, however, is used to the pressure.
"Of course, I feel the pressure - it comes with the job," he said. "If you don't feel the pressure, you're probably not doing your job. I feel the pressure in every game because it's a win or lose situation. I still feel nervous before a game."
Is there pressure from management? "None at all," replied Black. "(Team owner) Boss Excy (Robles) and (team manager) Boss Buddy (Encarnado) are giving their all-out support. You couldn't ask for anything more."
Compared to his Pop Cola team last year, Black said this season's Realtors are more defense-oriented. "We have more talent at Pop Cola but our guys at Sta. Lucia work harder at practice," he continued. "We're definitely a stronger defensive team than Pop Cola. Dennis (Espino), for instance, is one of the best one-on-one defenders in the league and if we get Marlou (Aquino) who's a great help defender, we'll be even tougher."
Black said he has no idea how the Aquino impasse will be resolved. "It's up to Marlou if he wants to play," he sighed. "Our position is to match whatever offer he has. If he comes to play for us, I'm sure Marlou will play hard to prove himself. I've had no problem with Marlou in the past. He played for the Philippine team which I coached at the Asian Games in 1994. With Marlou, we'll be very competitive. Without Marlou, we'll have to change the way we play defense - we'll be more aggressive, we'll trap and rotate, we won't sit back and relax."
It's defense that Black hopes will propel Sta. Lucia to the top of the PBA heap.
"Offense is up and down but you can be consistent in defense - that's the key to winning," he said.
Black will lean on assistants Franz Pumaren and Adonis Tierra to get the job done. Pumaren will concentrate on offense and scout the opposition's defense while Tierra will focus on defense and scout the opposition's offense.
"I expect to work closely with Adonis," he said. "I remember playing with his brother Marty. I've known Adonis for years and even before I knew we'd be working together, we always talked. Just like me, Adonis is excited about our chances for the coming season."
With Jun Limpot gone to Barangay Ginebra, Black said Espino becomes Sta. Lucia's undisputed go-to guy. "He's our leader," continued Black. "Dennis is a solid player who can dominate a game."
What's intriguing Black is his deep quarterback corps. Veteran Ronnie Magsanoc, rookie Paolo Mendoza and reliever Jack Santiago will take turns at the point. "I'll let them decide who should start," he said. It's a problem that any coach wouldn't mind.
Mendoza, the PBA's first overall draft pick this year, is turning out to be exactly as predicted--a dangerous long-range bomber who's quick and smart.
Aside from Mendoza, Sta. Lucia's fresh recruits are Benny Cheng from Ginebra and Rob Wainwright and Chris Tan from the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA). The holdovers are Espino, Santiago, Magsanoc, Noynoy Falcasantos, Mike Orquillas, and Richard Del Rosario.
Tan played two years in the MBA and should be ready to step up in the PBA. The former La Salle gunner shoots from long range, can post up, and has the ability to handle the ball. His pal Wainwright is an exciting, athletic, all-purpose wingman.
Black brings a winning tradition to Sta. Lucia. Perhaps, this is the year when the Realtors will finally barge into the Finals.