Norman Black to finish UAAP season despite MVP’s departure from Ateneo

Norman Black. Radyo Inquirer 990AM

MANILA, Philippines – In the wake of businessman Manny V. Pangilinan’s decision to cut his ties with his alma mater Ateneo, Blue Eagles head coach Norman Black “felt obligated to do the same.”

Black, who left for Hong Kong Monday to meet with the telecommunications tycoon, said in a statement that MVP’s departure had him thinking about resigning.

“His blanket pull out of support from Ateneo put me in a difficult situation,” said Black. “For nine years, I’ve been employed by PLDT. So when he pulled out, I also felt obligated to do the same. He’s been loyal and good to me all these years. Since I work for him, I felt it was my responsibility to do it.”

Black, who is in his last few games as Ateneo’s mentor, added he didn’t actually want to leave abruptly and neither did Pangilinan.

“We’ll finish what we started. Despite his differences with the school, he (Pangilinan) feels the team shouldn’t suffer,” said Black, who is still in Hong Kong. “I’m quite happy he said that because I also don’t want to pull out of my last few games in Ateneo. His heart is still with the team and the players. He’ll continue to support the team until the end of the season.”

The 54-year-old Black, whose squad is aiming for its fifth straight UAAP crown, will be back in the PBA as the head coach of the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters.

The Blue Eagles have clinched the top spot heading into the Final Four and will face either Far Eastern University or De La Salle.