Meralco Bolts’ Aaron Black helps with shootaround ahead of Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
SCHEDULE: PBA Philippine Cup Finals San Miguel vs Meralco
MANILA, Philippines—It’s tough to watch your team on the sidelines without being able to help physically and that’s exactly what Aaron Black is feeling with Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
Still, Black is doing what he can to help the Bolts, who are currently stuck in a 1-1 stalemate with San Miguel in the best-of-seven series.
While not exactly a veteran of the team, Black, who suffered an ACL injury in the elimination round, is still being vocal in helping out the squad due to his appearance in the grandest stage before.
“For me, I’m still one of the younger guys on the team but being here in the Finals before, I’m able to give some guys who haven’t been here before some advice on what we can do better or what they can expect as we go through the series,” said Black with Inquirer Sports during halftime of Game 2 at Araneta Coliseum on Friday.
READ: PBA Finals: Meralco quickly moves on from Game 2 heartbreak
“I guess I just try to do my best to do whatever I can to encourage the guys to play their best.”
The Bolts ended up losing in a heartbreaker at the hands of San Miguel, 95-94, courtesy of a Marcio Lassiter game-winning triple.
Despite the loss, though, Meralco has shown it has the tools to beat the reigning kings of the all-Filipino conference.
That is, however, no reason for the Bolts to think that they “have done anything,” according to Black.
“We understand we haven’t done anything yet but we’re happy to get our first step in the door. At the same time, we’re trying to keep doing what we do well and work on things that we aren’t doing well.”
Black won’t be able to return for Meralco in the series, but things are looking up for one of the Bolts’ floor generals.
The Ateneo product revealed that he’s set for a return next season, which is happening in less than three months.
“I should be back by the next conference, hopefully. I have another check-up at the start of July. Right now I’ve been working out, I feel better, I feel a lot better actually so hopefully by the next conference, I’ll be good,” assured Black.