Without first round pick, Black sees intact Talk ‘N Text squad next season

AKTV/Paul Mata

Without a first round pick in the upcoming PBA draft, incoming Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black sees an intact lineup for the Tropang Texters next season.

“We only have the 20th pick in the draft,” he said. “The best solution is to keep our lineup intact.”

Black said his appointment to Talk ‘N Text, which would mark his return to the PBA after a decade, has not yet sunk in for him.

“My main focus right now is Ateneo,” Black told InterAKTV in a telephone interview. “I’m not yet excited about Talk N Text at this time since we’re still focused in our campaign in the UAAP.”

But the 10-time PBA champion coach, who led San Miguel to a grand slam in 1989, said he has already begun work with the Tropang Texters, holding practices with the squad since July 27.

He also confirmed bringing in two new assistant coaches from Ateneo: Sandy Arespacochaga and Gene Afable.

Even with his coaching pedigree, Black has massive shoes to fill replacing Chot Reyes, under whom the Tropang Texters won four championships in six finals appearances in four years with the team.

“I will do my best to continue the winning tradition,” said Black.

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