With a successful run in collegiate basketball, Coach Norman Black is leaving Ateneo de Manila University to come "full circle" with the PBA. File photo by Ronin Bautista.

With a successful run in collegiate basketball, Coach Norman Black is leaving Ateneo de Manila University to come “full circle” with the PBA. File photo by Ronin Bautista.The Ateneo community just announced that Norman Black, the head coach of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, will coach his last collegiate basketball season this upcoming UAAP Season 75. The Ateneo community thanked him for his services in the university and announced a committee to look for his possible replacement as head coach.

Ateneo president Jose Ramon T Villarin SJ said in a memorandum that  Black “hopes to replicate his successful system.” in the PBA.

“I am pleased however to tell you that Coach Norman has agreed to Ateneo’s request that he coach the Blue Eagles for the 2012 season, and that he remain as consultant to the men’s basketball program for two years thereafter,” wrote Villarin.

Norman Black became coach of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in 2004 replacing Alexander “Sandy” Arespacochaga. It was in his tenure as coach that the Blue Eagles finally achieved the historic and rare 4-peat in the Seniors Basketball. – Gene Atanacio, Ronin Bautista.