Maybe it’s the right time to shake things up.
Legendary basketball tactician Norman Black is out as Meralco Bolts head coach after spending nine years with the franchise, the team announced on Monday. Taking over the multiple-time PBA champion coach’s post is Luigi Trillo, who's moving up from his assistant coach role.
Black isn’t severing his ties with Meralco as he’ll be taking on a new role as team consultant. The shake-up also included the appointment of Nenad Vucinic as the squad’s active team consultant. In the statement released by the Bolts, the entire franchise expressed gratitude to the coach's productive stint with the club.
“His legacy in building the culture of Meralco Bolts is one marked by professionalism and hard work that the Bolts are known for today,” part of the post read.
According to Meralco, they’re banking on Trillo and Vucinic to "build on coach Norman Black's accomplishments and usher in a new era for the team.”
In response, Black thanked the management and spoke about his commitment in fulfilling his new duty with the Bolts.
“I now look forward to helping the team in my capacity as team consultant in our continued quest to bring a championship to the Meralco franchise."
Starting out in 2014, Coach Norman was able to lead Meralco to four finals appearances. He also steered the squad to six semifinals berth in the last seven conferences. But as with every professional sports team, the ultimate goal is to win a championship. The Bolts have yet to achieve that under Black’s watch.
Nonetheless, the team management is thankful for the contributions of the 1989 PBA Grand Slam winning coach.
“We thank Coach Norman for his unwavering commitment and the indelible mark he has left on the organization,” Team Manager Paolo Trillo said in Meralco’s press release.
Where Meralco is headed under new leadership now becomes one of the main storylines heading into the PBA’s 48th season.
(GM)