It was the Daddy of all personal milestones for Norman Black.
After highlighting his illustrious career in the PBA with his first championship as San Miguel's reinforcement in the foreign-flavored 1982 Invitationals, two Best Import accolades (1982 Reinforced and 1985 Open), a rare league grand slam (1989), and 11 titles over the years, Black experienced the highlight of highlights when he went up on stage for Meralco's first pick in the PBA Draft.
There waiting for Black and his Bolts team stood rookie aspirant Aaron Black, his dreams of playing pro ball being realized.
"I think that was the best part of it - being able to go up the stage and actually handing him the jacket and give him a chance to play in the PBA," said a proud Norman Black.
"I've been dreaming of this moment since I picked up a basketball 19 years ago. Definitely a hell of an experience walking up that stage," said Aaron, thanking the Meralco family for "welcoming me with open arms."
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Speaking as a coach more than a father, the elder Black is convinced the former Ateneo Blue Eagle belongs in the PBA.
"I think he's deserving, he's been through a lot in his short career, he's overcome a lot but I think in the D-League, he's shown he can play, and now he has a chance to make it to the PBA," he said.
Aaron put up staggering numbers in his stint with AMA in the PBA D-League, posting three triple doubles highlighted by a monster 45-18-12 game in a 133-90 rout of Hazchem. He averaged 25.5 points, 12.3 rebounds and 10.3 assists in that tournament.
"I'm super proud of him. I'm glad he's overcome a lot of adversity, injury, and now he has a chance to get to the big leagues so I'm happy for him," said the Bolts coach.
The elder Black looks forward to playing the dual role of father-coach to Aaron.
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"I'm happy to get a chance to coach him; it will be the first time I'm gonna be able to do that since he started playing basketball," said Norman, who was no longer calling the shots for Ateneo when Aaron played colllege ball.
"I think he can help us a lot, he's a well-rounded player, does a lot of things on the basketball court so I'm looking forward to working with him in practice," he added.
Meralco only got its turn to pick from the pool in the second round at 18th overall, and when coach Norman saw Aaron still available at that point, he quickly pounced on this opportunity.
"I wasn't really sure (Meralco could get Aaron) because a lot of people thought he's going to be picked earlier. But he fractured his hand about four weeks ago and he didn't participate in the draft camp so I thought there was a possibility that he might drop a little bit.
"I didn't figure he would reach us but I'm happy he did," said Norman.
Aaron became the first player in 24 years and only the second overall to be drafted by his father after Dodot Jaworski, who was the second round and 10th overall pick of his Dad's team Tondena 65 in 1995.(OL)
