Norman Black’s success both as a player and coach speaks volumes. His storied career in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in the 1980s, including two championships with two different teams, paved the way for an even more successful career as a coach.

During his time as an import in the PBA, Black earned Best Import honors multiple times, displaying his undeniable impact on the court. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, where he won 11 championships, including a remarkable grand slam in 1989 with the San Miguel team, which featured legends such as Mon Fernandez, Hector Calma, and Samboy Lim.

Black’s influence extended beyond the PBA as he successfully led Ateneo de Manila University to five consecutive championships in the UAAP from 2008 to 2012, solidifying the Blue Eagles’ legacy. Additionally, he served as the head coach of the national team, bringing home a gold medal at the 2011 Southeast Asian Games and a silver at the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing.

However, what truly fueled his success is his core philosophy: outwork everyone.

The Philosophy of Outworking the Competition

“If you want to be successful, you gotta outwork everybody. That’s the one that’s been driving me to outwork the opponent,” Black shared during the Milcu Sports Got Skills Coaching Clinic on March 30, held at the Greenhills West Clubhouse.

He explains that the key to being a successful coach is more than just preparation—it’s about the dedication to the craft. “If it takes me to stay up until 3 o’clock in the morning to go over the plays of La Salle and Franz Pumaren because they have so many plays, then I’ll do it just so my team can be prepared and I won’t leave a stone unturned,” Black explained.

For him, effort is as important as execution. As a coach, he understands that constant learning and improving are part of the job. That’s why he values coaching clinics like the Milcu Sports Got Skills Coaching Clinic, where aspiring coaches can pick up new drills and philosophies that will enhance their coaching abilities.

Learning from the Best

“I think this is a good start. Whenever you have an opportunity to learn from people who have already done it or been there, you should try to learn as much as possible,” said Black, who now serves as a consultant for both Meralco in the PBA and San Beda University in the NCAA.

Black also emphasizes that while today’s coaches may have access to vast amounts of information online, there is no substitute for firsthand experience. “Sometimes guys these days feel like when they get to a certain level, they know everything. But you can’t learn everything on YouTube, so it’s nice to come out and take advantage of these clinics.”

The Importance of Continuous Learning

In a time when technology offers convenient access to coaching tips, Black’s message remains timeless—coaching requires continual growth, hard work, and dedication. His success story is a testament to that, and his call to action resonates: outwork everyone.