That old (Norman) Black magic
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 22 Jan 2013
WHEN Freddie Roach achieved the ultimate with Filipino boxing superhero Manny Pacquiao, the famous American trainer got the extreme compliment.
He was named trainer of the year a total of three times.
For having helped Pacquiao reach the highest peak in his great career?capturing eight world titles in separate weight classes?Roach was also assured of enshrinement in boxing?s Hall of Fame.
Last year though, Roach?s brilliant run hit a snag.
He lost all his major bouts, including the two by Pacquiao, capped by his tragic fall against Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez.
**
Has Roach (and Pacquiao, for that matter) lost his magic?
Let?s hope not, because Pacquiao will need loads and loads of Roach?s genius if our national boxing superhero is to regain a measure of success and respect this year.
Anyway, out on the national basketball front, one tested and talented mentor, a former NBA player, has been weaving his own magic.
Call that black magic because our man of the hour happens to be Coach Norman Black of the highly successful Talk ?N Text team in the PBA.
**
Before his sensational steerage of the MVP franchise to a record third straight Philippine Cup title, Black had also given the Ateneo Blue Eagles a record five-peat title run in the UAAP.
These achievements, of course, cannot compare with what Freddie Roach had achieved before suffering a bleeding nosedive.
But, like it or not, Black should be getting more than just plaudits and pats on the back for a job very well done.
Shouldn?t he also be given the ultimate honor?
If so, how do they do it?
**
It?s like this: there was one thing they failed to ask coach Norman when he faced sports scribes in the SCOOP Kamayan media event in Padre Faura last week.
So, like it or not, this reporter takes this opportunity to shoot the question.
Would Norman Black be willing (and ready) to coach the Gilas national team that will bid for the Fiba-Asia Cup to be disputed in Manila this year?
Pardon, but this could be a silly, senseless question because we?ve not checked on the terrain, including the conditions and contracts in the national team backyard.
**
If, say, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) headed by the respected tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan has an indefinite contract with coach Chot Reyes, then forget it.
However, we find it our duty to bat for Mr. Black because of the acute need for a strong, respectable showing for the national basketball team that will wage war before a home crowd.
Chot Reyes may have more than the necessary credentials required by the SBP.
For the record though, Black has also gone through the grinder in his past stints with the national basketball team.
He was assistant to Robert Jaworski when the national team finished in the silver behind powerhouse China during the 1990 Beijing Asian Games.
He finished out of the medal in a succeeding national coaching stint in the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games.
**
However, it has become quite evident how Black has metamorphosed into a super tactician through all these trying years.
He has developed into an unbending fighter of a coach that has got firm and sound resolution.
Yes, resolution. This was firmly demonstrated in his title series against the feared physical but floor-bound Rain or Shine bangers of coach Yeng Guiao.
Coach Norman played it magically by pushing the game a few inches above the floor, courtesy of his winged, fleet-footed backcourt snipers.
Opposition, naturally, was left to either gasp for breath or clasp at thin air.
The result was an incredible sweep.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Jonas Magpantay reaches Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Finals
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 02 Nov 2025Pistons defeated Mavericks in NBA Game 34 in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 02 Nov 2025GM Antonio finishes 14th in World Senior Standard event
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 02 Nov 2025NONITO DONAIRE FIGHTS SEIYA TSUTSUMI FOR THE WBA BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sun, 02 Nov 2025Luka Dončić Equals Wilt Chamberlain’s Historic Scoring Feat
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 02 Nov 2025THRILLA IN MANILA II RESULTS: JERUSALEM, TAPALES, MARCIAL LEAD WINNERS
By Eric Armit, Sun, 02 Nov 2025Last Pinoy Standing: Jonas Magpantay marches into semis in Qatar World Cup 10-Ball
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 02 Nov 2025WEIGHTS FROM NIGHT OF KNOCKOUTS XXXVII AT MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL
Sat, 01 Nov 20253 Filipinos Reach Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Last 16, Biado Out
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Joshua Buatsi vs Zack Parker Headlines Manchester Show on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 01 Nov 2025NBA Referees will wear headsets during NBA games
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 01 Nov 2025PERO, THOMPSON READY FOR ORLANDO SHOWDOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 01 Nov 2025South Cotabato overall champ in Batang Pinoy boxing meet
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Bernardino to play in Malaysia and France chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Make way for the Philippines' oldest active chess player
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025