Norman Black speaks out amid Tab Baldwin issue

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

As one of the first successful foreign coaches in the Philippines, coach Norman Black spoke out amid the Tab Baldwin issue and gave advice based on his long-time experience in handling one of the most crucial roles in the PBA.

Starting his career in the PBA way back 1985, coaching has taught Black to always remain humble no matter how successful you are, especially if you are a guest in the country.

Still serving as a head coach for the PBA with the Meralco Bolts, Black has clinched 11 PBA titles during his tenure as chief tactician and is one of the most-respected foreign coaches in the country.

“My experience has been that Filipinos will always recognize and respect you if you are good at your job, but they will not tolerate or appreciate it if you are throwing your talent in their faces in a demeaning way,” Black said.

Coach Baldwin is in hot water after putting out statements which the PBA, referees, and several veteran PH coaches took offense at.

During his guesting stint in the Coaches Unfiltered podcast, Baldwin said that PH coaches are “tactically immature.”

He was also critical of the officiating; pointing out that imports in the PBA are given an unfair “advantage” against the local players when it comes to making calls.

In reaction, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial decided to penalize Baldwin with a fine and a suspension while the entire Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP) condemned the comments.

“I have worked with Coach Tab and I know he is a very good basketball coach, but my personal feeling is that some of his recent comments were definitely out of line. While everyone’s opinion should be respected, it’s also important that the persons expressing their opinion should be respectful how they relay their message,” Black added.