Do not be surprised when you see Norman Black sitting behind the bench of San Beda University from time-to-time in the NCAA.
Black has been tasked to bring his championship experience to the Red Lions' den for NCAA Season 99 as consultant. As a consultant also for the Meralco Bolts, Black was tapped by San Beda backer and businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan to help the Mendiola crew.
However, Black is no stranger to the collegiate basketball scene.
Aside from being a champion PBA player and coach, Black steered Ateneo de Manila University to a historic five-peat for the Blue Eagles from 2008 to 2012.
"My specific role right now is to work with the big men, work with the rebounding because that is kind of my experience as a player, I guess. But anything Yuri [Escueta] wants from me, whatever questions he asks from me, I'll just help him out the best way I can," Black said about his role as San Beda consultant.
Black and Escueta go a long way back as the latter was part of the Blue Eagles squad which won the UAAP championship in 2008.
During the first San Beda-Letran game he personally watched last October 6, Black was aware of the rivalry and said that NCAA rivalries are included in the reasons why the league is respected.
For him, however, the Red Lions just need to take it slow until they reach the Final Four.
"Just take it one game at a time. The goal I believe right now is to make it to the Final Four and take it from there," he said. "That's the goal. Give ourselves a chance in the semifinals."
After falling to the Letran Knights in the Season 95 finals, San Beda made it only through the Final Four in Seasons 97 and 98.
As of writing, the Red Lions hold a 3-2 card.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
