The Final Score: Rabeh Al-Hussaini plays for Norman Black, just like old times

There was a newcomer on the court. He stood out for two reasons. He was new on the team, traded by GlobalPort to Talk ‘N Text in exchange for Japeth Aguilar, and he flashed a most radiant smile. Talagang abot-tenga ang ngiti. He tried to suppress his emotions. But Rabeh Al-Hussaini, for very understandable reasons, couldn’t hide his glee. Three days ago, Rabeh played for GlobalPort in a tune-up game against Barako Bull. He had a forgettable performance. He committed silly turnovers. He made teammates shake their heads. He earned the ire of his coach. Sadly, in the context of a PBA career that refuses to take off, it seemed like another day in the office for Al-Hussaini. [Related: GlobalPort revamps roster, adds Sol Mercado, Japeth Aguilar] Then, someone pressed the reset button on Rabeh’s career. Seventy-two hours ago, Rabeh looked like an impossible cause. Surly. Frustrated. Despondent. Today, he is reunited with his former college coach, Norman Black. Rabeh and Norman. Norman and Rabeh. Just like the old days. For the first time in what felt like forever, Al-Hussaini believed in the possibilities provided by fresh starts. “Pagkagising ko kaninang umaga, I couldn’t wait to see that guy [pointing to Black],” Rabeh cheerfully admitted. “Siya naman talaga responsible sa success ko when I was in college.” To understand the difference between Rabeh with Norman and Rabeh without Norman, I spoke with Rabeh’s former teammates in Ateneo. They all gave variations of the same premise: “Dapat kasi kay Rabeh, alam mo kung paano siya gamitin.” Or “Ang kailangan kay Rabeh, mahuli ng team yung tamang motivation sa kanya.” These statements sounded like valid reasons. They can also be interpreted as stubborn excuses. So Rabeh was a machine. Black, however, knew which batteries to use and which buttons to press. Oddly, Black appeared to be the only coach on the planet who understood the instruction manual that came along with Rabeh. Conclusion: the two were made for each other. While Black appears to be the perfect coach for Al-Hussaini, I also believe Talk ‘N Text offers the perfect environment for the former UAAP MVP. If Rabeh misbehaves, two things can happen: either Larry Fonacier prays over him or Ali Peek gives him a third nostril. Rabeh, it doesn’t have to go that far. All you have to do is observe the culture and listen to the vets. “I told Rabeh when he arrived in practice, ‘I don’t care about what people said about you before. What matters to me is that you’re here now with us,’” Jimmy Alapag, who was side by side with Al-Hussaini during pre-practice warm-up drills, shared. “We’re going to make his transition here as smooth as possible.” During his first practice on his new team, Rabeh wore a 2012 Team USA Kevin Durant jersey. He was the only one not in a Talk ‘N Text white or blue practice uniform. It wasn’t a problem. He was back playing for his old coach. It was all that mattered. It finally felt like he was home at last. - AMD, GMA News