CHICAGO - Even when he was still playing as a PBA import in the 80s, wearing skimpy shorts and tight jerseys, one thing best characterized Norman Black.
Selfless.
That unique trait still holds true today, some 43 years and one extremely successful coaching career later.
Two days ago in Thailand, the lovable American from Baltimore led a ragtag Gilas Pilipinas squad to an improbable run to a gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
READ SEAG gold the sweetest for bemedalled coach Norman Black
While other coaches in that enviable position would eagerly stop to smell the roses, low-key Norman is running away from the spotlight like a DPWH contractor with the Ombudsman on his tail.
"Our staff put in a lot of hard work and did an excellent job," he said of his crew that included first assistant Sandy Arespacochaga, deputies Bacon Austria, Andre Santos, Sandro Soriano and Diego Lozano, trainer Diego Lozano and PT Gergel Razon.
GRATITUDE.
Black was especially grateful to all his players for the sacrifices they made.
Everyone, including the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) top brass, lent a hand to help secure a favorable ending, but the finger points to coach Black as the biggest hero in this gold rush.
He put together this team from the ashes of a crushing eligibility rule that decimated half of his original team.
He made key adjustments that weathered the tempest of an Indonesian rally in the semis and he was a calming presence in the huddle early in the final game when the unfavorable whistles allowed the opportunistic Thais to erect a 13-point lead.
It sure was his best job yet, which is saying a lot considering that Black's trophy case includes 11 PBA titles highlighted by a grand slam and five UAAP crowns with Ateneo.
A PBA RETURN?
Although there is clearly a dearth of coaching talent in the PBA, don't expect stormin' Norman to pursue another gig in the league.
"I'm happy where I'm at now," he told me in a telephone interview on Sunday morning.
A consultant at both Meralco and San Beda, Black is also in charge of the grassroots program of the SBP, a task he finds especially fulfilling because it allows him to "give back to the community" by imparting his knowledge to the future generation of hoopers.
But he didn't close the door entirely.
"A coach is always a coach but right now that's not my focus. Somewhere down the road, maybe."
When it comes to the national team, though, coach Norman will always be available.
"I'll never say 'no' to the flag," he said.
I wonder if he's available for the next FIBA window in February.
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