From playing as import to doing a commercial, Norman Black shares fondest memories with Alaska

Unknown to many, Meralco head coach Norman Black has a number of unforgettable memories with the Alaska Aces.

The 64-year-old Black reinforced Alaska during the 1986 PBA Open Conference when his original team, San Miguel Beer, took a leave of absence from the league the very same year.

Although it was just a brief stay, Black could recall the happy moments with the franchise and even had a walk down memory lane about the time he broke his thumb after celebrating a basket for the Milkmen.

"I broke my hand that year. I broke my hand on Rudy Distrito's head. I made a basket and I was excited, I jumped up and down and when I threw my hand down, he was standing right behind me and I hit the top of his head and broke my thumb," Black shared following the Bolts' 109-98 loss to NorthPort on Thursday.

Black added that he even had a TV commercial for the company alongside the younger brother of Alaska Milk Corporation (AMC) chief Fred Uytengsu.

The veteran coach said Alaska was a great team to be in and to see them bid the PBA goodbye is considered a loss to the league.

"I was a little bit sad, to be honest with you. I guess they have their own reasons for pulling out and I think it's a loss to the league itself because Alaska has not only been a very good team over the years but they've had a great reputation for the league itself," the decorated mentor said.

"And I think they've always carried themselves very well as an organization."

To see the Aces walk away after 35 memorable seasons, Black said he just hopes PBA can find a good team who can fill in the shoes they will leave behind.

"Hopefully the league will be able to pick up another company, another team to replace them but yes, it's a sad day for the PBA."

—MGP, GMA News