NORMAN Black quietly celebrated a personal milestone as Meralco got back on track in the PBA Governors' Cup following its 93-88 grind out win over Rain or Shine.
The 64-year-old champion mentor reached the 701st win in his colorful coaching career to remain in second place in the league's all-time list.
Black and topnotcher Tim Cone of Barangay Ginebra are the only coach in PBA history to breach the 700-win mark.
The two-time Best Import and grand slam coach wasn't aware of the feat and was naturally surprised when told by PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III.
"I did not know that. That's a lot of wins," said Black. "I had no clue about something like that. It's the first time I ever heard it."
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Black began his coaching career on local shores back in 1985 as playing-coach for the San Miguel franchise upon the prodding of former team owner and the country's ex-basketball project director Eduardo 'Danding' Cojuangco.
He went to win nine championships with the team, including a grand slam in 1989, becoming the first team to complete a season sweep outside of the fabled Crispa Redmanizers.
Later on, Black also win a title each while coaching Sta. Lucia and Talk 'N Text.
While the former NBA player is certainly delighted by the landmark record, the feat also meant one thing.
"You know what it means? It means I've been around for a long time, and I've been coaching for a long time," he said.
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But having informed that he and Cone were the only ones to achieve the record in the long list of winning coaches in PBA history, Black was truly humbled.
"That's a good company. A very good company," he said.
