Title only goal for Bolts

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco coach Norman Black said yesterday the Bolts are determined to bag a first PBA championship for the franchise this season and the hunt begins in the Philippine Cup. “There’s only one expectation and that’s to win the championship,” he said. “Second place is getting old. It will depend on the success of our import in the second and third conferences but in the Philippine Cup, it’s about getting the right breaks and matchups. We don’t want the top teams like San Miguel Beer, TNT, Ginebra or Magnolia to get ahead of us and get the twice to beat right off. We’ll be competitive and try to catch or overtake them.”

Last season, Meralco ranked third overall in win-loss percentage, finishing third in the Philippine Cup and second in the Governors Cup. Black’s son Aaron, 25, has emerged to be one of Meralco’s leaders in his third season and it’s his dream to win a crown with his father.

“The one thing I learned from my dad is my work habits,” said Aaron. “As a young kid, I was a little bit lazy but I saw how my dad worked. He’s a PBA legend and I try to be like him.” Black said he never influenced Aaron to take up basketball seriously but the passion came naturally. “Aaron was surrounded by basketball at a young age,” said Black. “When he was in Ateneo grade school, he played with the Nieto brothers, Thirdy Ravena and Jolo Mendoza and they won two national championships.” Aaron played four years and won two UAAP titles with the Ateneo seniors but never with his father as coach.

Black said in the 2019 PBA draft, Rain or Shine indicated it would pick Aaron on the first round. But the Elasto Painters skipped Aaron, leaving Meralco to name him on the second round. “Aaron averaged a triple double in the D-League and I knew he could play in the PBA,” said Black. “He injured his hand before the draft combine so couldn’t play and I think it affected his stock. I never imagined coaching Aaron at the pro level so it’s a gift and a blessing that we’re together at Meralco.”