CALL it Black Magic.
Meralco reached a milestone on Monday after finishing off its sister team TNT Katropa in Game Four of their best-of-five semifinal series of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup and to enter the franchise’s first final appearance.
And the man behind the Bolts’ turnaround was Head Coach Norman Black, who put together the right pieces to finally reach the Promised Land after series of disappointments in its early years in the league.
“I’m happy for the team, for the players who work hard every day. They guys showed good attitude, put extra work and embrace the game plan and our strategies,” said Black minutes after Meralco beat Katropa, 94-88, to finish the series, 3-1.
“This team has come a long way. With had a pretty bard first conference and finished the year on a good note. Obviously, it’s not over yet. We have a championship series to play,” he added.
The Bolts will play the winner of San Miguel Beer-Barangay Ginebra San Miguel semifinal series, which was being played as of press time.
Cliff Hodge delivered his best game as Meralco game in Game Four with a career-high 32 points, Allen Durham again provided stability and rookie Chris Newsome displayed his all-around game that could give him the edge for the Rookie Year honor against TNT’s Troy Rosario.
“He [Cliff] has grown as a player. I hope he gains recognition as he moves forward,” Black said. “Chris also has grown this year. We drafted him not only on his defense but on his ability to run the team.”
“And I always admitted that Allen Durham is the cornerstone of this team while the local players stepped up,” Black added.
Of course, veterans Jimmy Alapag and Reynel Hugnatan also provided help in the series with their leadership and Black hopes that they can continue to play as a solid unit in the best-of-seven championship series which start on Friday.
The 11-time champion coach is also hopeful that Jared Dillinger could return to action after sitting the last two games due to a hamstring injury.
When asked for his preference in the finals, Black did not give an answer.
“No. It’s like picking your poison. You’ll be dealing with the talent of June Mar Fajardo (of the Beermen) or the Ginebra team and their crowd. Either way, it will be tough,” said Black, who will attempt to become the first coach in PBA history to lead four different teams to a title.
Black also won titles with San Miguel Beer, TNT Katropa and Sta. Lucia Realty in 2001 Governors’ Cup.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza