Book on Ateneo 5-peat launched

Norman Black celebrates.

Coach Norman Black’s most memorable moments in Ateneo go beyond the games.

“Over the nine years I’ve been in Ateneo we had our ups and downs, but we came out pretty well and we’re able to build a program to become very successful,” Black said in a speech during the book launch of “5: A Tribute to Excellence.”

“But some of my biggest memories in Ateneo was looking at the crowd in amazement. Like when we play La Salle, half is green and half is blue. I’m just amazed.”

The coffee table book, launched on Friday night at Ayala Museum in Makati City, chronicles the Blue Eagles’ phenomenal run to a record five straight UAAP men’s basketball titles.

It features over 200 photos by Philip Sison, text by Rick Olivarez and edited by Alfred “Krip” Yuson and cover design and layout by Franco Sevilla.

The book features the journey of Black, the team architects led by top patron Manny V. Pangilinan and players like two-time Finals MVP Nico Salva, who figured in all five title runs.