PBA: Black credits Alaska series for preparing Talk N' Text against Rain or Shine

Talk 'N Text head coach Norman Black credited his team's grueling series with the Alaska Aces as part of the team's excellent preparation for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, whom the Texters swept in four games. "The series against Alaska really helped us a great deal," Black said. "[It's] always been my philosophy, defense wins championships. My whole goal was to make it so when you play slow we'll beat you slow, when you play fast, we'll beat you fast. The balance with the team is the key." [Related: Black's new system has TNT on the brink of a championship - Chot Reyes] The Aces bowed to Tropang Texters, but the performances of Calvin Abueva, Cyrus Baguio, and Jvee Casio pushed the Tropa to six games, surprising fans and pundits alike. Black added that the Philippine Cup crown meant a lot to him, as it has been a while since he has been at the helm of a PBA squad. "This championship means a lot to me maybe because I've been away for so long," said Black. "I've always wanted to go back to the PBA, the best league in the country. "I was just waiting for the right time. I'm thankful for being a part of this team, happy to work for them happy to represent them as their coach," Black added. Black last won a PBA championship with the Sta. Lucia Realtors in 2001. Prior to his comeback with TNT, Black had piloted the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles to five straight UAAP titles. - RAF, GMA News