Aaron Black is very much looking forward to battling some of those he grew up watching now that he’s headed to his first PBA Finals with Meralco.
The son of Bolts head coach Norman Black mentioned LA Tenorio in particular as he expressed excitement with their looming Governors’ Cup title series versus reigning kings Ginebra in what’s already the fourth chapter of the rivalry.
“I was in Grade Four when Kuya LA actually played for my dad in Ateneo. So, It’s really something that I look forward to in the Finals,” said the 25-year-old, drawing laughter from those who attended the pre-Finals press conference, Monday.
To which Tenorio jokingly responded, “Respeto lang siya sa kuya,” creating one of the better moments in the first face-to-face PBA presser since 2019.
Well, the two had a connection way, way back. It could be recalled that the 64-year-old Black served as Ateneo de Manila University’s consultant in 2004, before being named head coach of the Blue Eagles the following year.
“One of the reasons why I pursued my dream in the PBA, it’s because of Coach Norman also. So, when I was in Ateneo, binubuhat ko pa ‘yan si Aaron. Ngayon, I’m playing against him na,” Tenorio reflected.
That’s exactly why he felt so happy when Aaron finally made the jump to the pros. He was drafted 18th overall by the Bolts in 2019.
Not to mention that he’s finally headed to the Big Dance at this point of his budding career — in his sophomore year, to be precise.
“Sa akin, I’m just happy that I see Aaron playing on the big stage, in the Finals as early as his young career dito sa PBA. Napakalaking bagay noon,” he said.
Playing against the young ones also makes Tenorio blessed in the sense that he is still playing at such a high level even at 37 years old.
Well, prior to facing Black, the six-time champion went toe-to-toe against another fellow Atenean in Matt Nieto in the semis against NLEX.
“I played against Matt din, who is, I think, younger than Aaron,” he said. “Ano lang, additional motivation sa akin that’s why I keep on really working hard to keep up with those young players, young legs, mga bata.”
“It’s part of me also, extra motivation sa akin, kumbaga focus and mindset ko, going into every game na alam ko na may mas mga bata na. I’m sure they’re going to prove something against me.
“With that, nadadagdagan yung level of competition so I level up my competition also and to keep up with them,” he furthered.
Now that Tenorio and Black will face one another, whatever affinity they have will have to be set aside as they’re keen to help their sides to the crown.
“It’s really something that I look forward to in the Finals, and hopefully we can get that championship,” said the second-generation cager.
“I have to do my part to help the team win, and of course, the same thing with Aaron, he’s gonna do his part also for Meralco to win,” Tenorio seconded.
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