THIRTY-SIX years after Norman Black hoisted the last of his two Best Import awards, his son and current player at Meralco Aaron Black got his turn to receive a major award in the PBA.
The young Black, the Bolts' second-round pick in the 2019 Draft, came into his own and took the spotlight as the Most Outstanding Rookie of the recent Philippine Cup bubble.
This came with the distinction of being the lowest draft pick to earn the top award for freshmen. Drafted 18th overall, Black dislodged Larry Fonacier, who was Red Bull's 18th pick when he netted Rookie of the Year honors in 2005.
"It's definitely a great feeling. This will definitely push me to work even harder for the next conference. Looking forward to what we have in store for Meralco," Black said after being announced as the MOR during Sunday's PBA 45th Season Special Awards.
Black posted averages of 6.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.3 steals in 18 games as he contributed to the Bolts' semifinal stint. He earned his spot in the regular rotation and even showed maturity for a rookie in the playoffs.
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One big defining moment for Black was his Player of the Game-earning performance in the quarterfinals against higher-ranked San Miguel. The second generation cager dropped 11 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter as the Bolts defeated the Beermen, 78-71, and forced a rubbermatch for a semis seat.
The bubble award was a fitting reward for Black, who worked doubly hard to prove his father was justified in enlisting his services.
"It was a big motivational factor for me," he admitted.
"Being drafted in the second round as well as playing for my dad, that's a big thing. You know, hearing all the whispers as I got drafted so I really made it a point six months before we got into the bubble, to do my best, work hard and be ready for the league," he stressed.
Young Black has truly arrived in the PBA. (OL)
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