NORMAN Black was stunned as everybody else upon hearing the death of former Meralco import Andre Emmett in a shooting incident in Dallas.
"I was certainly saddened by the news when I heard about Emmett's death," said Black on Tuesday.
A star player at Texas Tech under legendary coach Bobby Knight, Emmet played for the Bolts during the 2015 PBA Governors Cup.
He led the Bolts to the quarterfinals as the seventh-seeded team after finishing with a 5-6 record in the eliminations. Meralco dragged second seeded San Miguel Beer to a sudden-death but lost in the end, 106-99.
"We're saddened, our deepest symphaties go out to his family at this difficult time," said team manager Paolo Trillo in a statement made in behalf of the Meralco franchise. "May he rest in peace."
"He was a kind person and a part of the Meralco basketball family," said Black of his former import, who played a season each with the Memphis Grizzlies and the New Jersey Nets.
PBA courtside reporter and news anchor Rizza Diaz described Emmett as a 'vibrant' person who 'would be open and enthusiastic for interviews not only because he has to be professional about it, but you can tell he wants to engage.'
"He had a nice smile and a firm handshake always at the end," she recalls the import.
Meralco star guard Chris Newsome never got toplay with Emmett at Meralco as he was still in the D-League at the time, although he did remember seeing the import at practice at the Meralco gym where his team also trained.
"I know he had an incredible work ehtic which showed in his skills and confidence while playing in the game," said Newsome.
"I'm saddened to hear about any death, but especially saddened when it's somebody who has suited up for the Bolts organization, I'm grateful for the energy, talent, and professionalism he carried with him all throughout," he added. "Praying his spirit is at peace and God presents his family and loved ones with comfort."
Emmett, 37, was shot to death by two men, who approached him while he was sitting inside his car outside his home.
The men displayed a handgun, according to police report. An altercation ensued and Emmett was shot as he ran away.
Emmett averaged 17.6 points per game with Texas Tech University, where he is the second all-time leading scorer of the the school and was an All-American during his senior year. He was also the 2004 champion of the NCAA slam dunk contest and later inducted in the Texas Tech Hall of Fame.
He was later selected 35th overall by the Seattle Supersonics in the 2004 NBA draft.
Aside from the Philippines, Emmett also played in Lihtuania, Belgium, France, Venezuela, China, Puerto Rico, Lebanon, and South Korea.
He's been playing in the BIG3 3-on-3 basketball league the past two years and tied Amare Stoudamire for the second-most points in league history.
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