AS THE lowest draft pick to ever win the top rookie honors in the history of the PBA, Aaron Black has a unique view of what it must feel for new draftees entering the league, especially for those who weren't selected in the first round.
The son of Meralco coach Norman Black was called by his father in the second round of the 2019 PBA Rookie Draft in December. He got in as the 18th overall pick — and from then on, he was on his own.
"Real work starts once your name is called. No matter what round you go, stay confident and be ready to prove yourself everyday," the 23-year-old guard said in a social media post published by Meralco prior to this year's draft.
In last year's bubble, the Bolts were able to reach the semifinals. Aaron's breakout games inside Clark surprised many.
Following his first season in the league, the young guard earned himself the 'Outstanding Rookie Award', averaging 7.18 points, 4.09 rebounds, and 2.09 assists during the bubble conference.
No one else saw it coming... except, perhaps, Aaron himself.
Extra effort

"I worked really hard during the pandemic to prepare myself for the season. You'll never know you're ready until you get there," he shared with SPIN Life.
He knew he had to be on top of his game coming into his debut conference — all to prove he's worthy of his place.
That storied family name was both blessing and curse for him.
"People still say [I'm only in the league cause of my dad]. I had a lot of people doubting me, I heard people say that I don't belong here, and that's stuck with me, but I made it something that can motivate me," he said.
And when he got inside the bubble, he delivered.

On top of playing a pivotal role in the Bolts' run in the playoffs, he beat out Ginebra's Arvin Tolentino, Alaska's Barkley Eboña, Terrafirma's Roosevelt Adams, and Magnolia's Aris Dionisio for the best rookie plum.
The former Blue Eagle said that his coaches and teammates also played a big role to make it all happen.
Be a team player

So, what's one piece of honest advice he could give to the 65 rookies drafted in last weekend's deliberation?
"The people around you is the most important thing. Surrounding yourself with people that are positive, and people that will push to do better is really necessary," he said. "Whether you're a college star or a standout from wherever, put in mind to absorb from the veterans, that way, you can understand the league more."
He then mentioned looking up to 42-year-old Reynel Hugnatan, the Bolts' starting big man.
"Like what I learned from Papa Reynel, be professional enough to take care of your bodies 'cause one thing that matters in the PBA is your availability," he said.

Black also stressed the important of your frame of mind, especially if you're a rookie who was snapped up during one of the later rounds.
"For the guys that went in the first round, they're gonna get signed by their teams, that's for sure, just come in to practice to prove themselves," he said. "But one of my goals after winning the award was to inspire other guys coming into the league, especially the ones drafted in latter rounds."
He added, "Learn to turn your disappointments into something that can motivate you. You can either fold or try your best to overcome all that with the help of your family and teammates, lean on each other, build a chemistry."
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph