Aaron Black is simply glad to have overcome the uncertainties and whatnot after playing his first game back in months following a knee surgery.
The lefty combo guard helped Meralco to a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Phoenix on Friday night to successfully mark his return from a right meniscus injury that forced him to sit on the sidelines for nearly four months.
“The Lord’s blessed me to be able to play again,” he said after their 111-109 win at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. “But at the same time, it’s really the mental side… babalik ka kasi from a long time, hindi mo alam kung paano ka maglalaro.”
It was totally understandable that Black had doubts entering their Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup opener. He was out since last August as a meniscus tear was discovered two games into the Governors’ Cup, which required surgery.
He’s never had a major operation since high school due to an ACL injury, according to the second-generation cager, thus the mental challenge.
“I think mentally, really, coming back from an operation like that. I haven’t had an operation in a long time, especially in your knee,” he recalled, training with Better Basketball during his recovery.
It was also his second knee injury since last season, having hurt his ACL during the Season 48 Philippine Cup although he didn’t need to go under the knife.
His struggles were evident in the first half against the Fuel Masters, but got on his flow after the break to help orchestrate the 23-point comeback.
Eventually, Meralco took the W, with Black himself finishing with solid numbers of 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, eight rebounds, and five assists.
“We were kind of ashamed of the way we played in the first half,” the 27-year-old said as they stared at a 73-54 deficit at the halftime intermission. “Hindi kami ganoon na team. Meralco’s always been known for defense.
“So noong halftime, sinabihan kami ni Coach Nenad, nahihiya kami sa kaniya and to the whole Meralco organization so we really wanted to come out in the second half and prove that we can get this game and come back.”
They did prove as much and having done so has turned Black’s qualms to excitement with how this conference could pan out for the Bolts.
“It’s been a long way to get here. I think it’s been three or four months, so I’m glad I can get back on the basketball floor and help my team win,” he said.
“Just thankful to be back and, you know, looking forward to what we can do as a team in this conference,” added the six-year pro.
