Norman Black to Coach Gilas Pilipinas at 2025 SEA Games in Bangkok

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by Raymund Tamayo

Former Meralco Bolts head coach Norman Black. Photo: ESPN.

Veteran coach Norman Black is set to return to the international stage as he takes the reins of Gilas Pilipinas for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in December 2025.

Multiple sources confirmed that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will officially appoint Black as head coach for the SEA Games men’s basketball squad, following earlier reports that current Gilas tactician Tim Cone will be unavailable due to overlapping PBA commitments.

Cone, who steered the Philippines to gold in the 2023 SEA Games, is focused on preparing the national team for the opening window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers — scheduled from November 24 to December 2 — as well as the 2025–26 PBA Philippine Cup, which will be in full swing by the time the SEA Games take place in Bangkok from December 9 to 20.

With Cone stepping aside, the SBP turned to a familiar and experienced figure in Black, who guided the Philippines to a gold medal finish at the 2011 SEA Games in Jakarta. That youthful squad featured future stars like Kiefer Ravena, Greg Slaughter, and Bobby Ray Parks Jr.

Norman Black. Photo: ESPN.

Black has reportedly begun reaching out to Filipino Asian Quota players in overseas leagues such as Japan’s B.League and Korea’s KBL to assess their potential availability. However, since the SEA Games aren’t part of the FIBA international window, most players may not be released by their professional clubs due to ongoing league schedules.

(from L to R) RJ Abarrientos, Rhenz Abando, and SJ Belangel. Photo: Tiebreaker Times.

In response, the SBP is exploring backup plans that include assembling a roster composed of top collegiate talent from the UAAP, with potential reinforcements coming from naturalized players like Justin Brownlee or Angelo Kouame. Players from PBA teams already eliminated from the Philippine Cup may also be considered to strengthen the pool.

Although Black stepped away from coaching in the PBA in 2023, he continues to play a key role in the sport’s development. He currently serves as SBP’s head of player identification and development, while also acting as a consultant for the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA.

As the Philippines eyes its 20th men’s basketball gold in SEA Games history, Black’s return to the sidelines brings both leadership and a wealth of experience to a new generation of national team hopefuls.