AKTV/Paolo Papa
In an interview with News5, Black said he flew to Hong Kong last Monday to offer his resignation to SMART chairman Manny Pangilinan, the man who hired the him to coach Ateneo.
(InterAKTV is part of InterAksyon.com, the news site of TV5, which is chaired by Pangilinan.)
Pangilinan has been bankrolling the Blue Eagles until he decided to “completely disengage” from his alma mater over differences with the university’s stand on mining and the Reproductive Health Bill.
“I’ve been coaching in Ateneo for nine years and basically he’s been paying my salary for nine years,” said Black, who began his tenure with Ateneo as a consultant in 2004 before taking over as head coach in 2005.
“So when he pulled out his support I’m basically part of that support. So out of respect I talked to him and said, ‘Boss, do you want me to resign?’”
However, Pangilinan didn’t accept Black’s resignation and told the veteran American coach to stay on until the end of the UAAP season 75 basketball tournament.
“MVP didn’t want the boys to suffer,” said Black, who is set to leave the Blue Eagles after the season to take over Pangilinan’s Talk ‘N Text squad in the PBA.
It was Pangilinan who announced Black’s appointment as coach of the Blue Eagles. When asked what it took to bring a Grand Slam-winning PBA coach to Loyola Heights, Pangilinan then described Black’s contract in jest: “Jesuit standard, which means it is full of grace.”
With their top patron’s departure, questions have risen over the future of the Blue Eagles, but Black said the team is not affected by the controversy and would rather focus on its attempt for a fifth straight UAAP basketball championship.
“I’m glad that it’s all behind us now,” he said.
Ateneo is set to face arch-rival La Salle in a final four duel on Saturday, with the Blue Eagles enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage.
And even though Pangilinan would not be attending the game, Black said he would be there in spirit for the squad.
“MVP’s heart is with the team,” said Black.
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