Sophomore slump? Aaron Black looks to shrug it off

Just the thought of a sophomore slump already gives Aaron Black chills.

The 2020 Outstanding Rookie of the Year from Meralco admitted that after his breakout maiden season as a professional cager, it is not impossible to have a subpar performance come PBA Season 46.

But the son of Bolts head coach Norman Black just shrugged it off, saying his first order of business is to make the most out of the long lull to get in better shape as Bolts eye a comeback this year.

"You know, of course, in basketball, there's always ups and downs," Black, selected 18th overall by his father back in 2019, told GMA News Online in a phone interview.

"But at the same time, I just want to try to work my hardest to make sure that I help my team out  and make sure that I do the right things on the court to avoid sophomore slump," he added.

At only 24, Black has already made a handful of feats.

He became the lowest draft pick to win the top rookie plum to edge Larry Fonacier, who was the previous holder of the record after being named the Rookie of the Year in 2005 despite only getting picked 14th by Red Bull. 

Black was also a crucial piece in the team's impressive run during the compressed 2020 Philippine Cup last year.

The 6-foot-1 guard out of Ateneo de Manila University posted solid numbers to help the Bolts arrange a semifinals clash against archrival Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

However, they fell prey yet again to the Gin Kings in five grueling games, spoiling what could have been a historic year for Black and the Bolts.

"Hopefully I can come in and continue to bring out a positive impact to the team, continue to help my teammates, I want to become even better at the point guard position because I've only been playing that for one or two years now," Black said.

Black, who skipped his last playing year in the UAAP, said he's willing to do everything to help his team win the coveted PBA championship.

The MVP-owned squad has never won a title since its inception in 2010 and Black hopes that he can help the team end the dry spell and make history.

"For me, whatever the team needs me to do, I'm going to do," he said. "Whether setting up my teammates, whether it's scoring, or rebounding, whatever I'm asked to do on the team, that's what I'll really focus on."

—MGP, GMA News