Black happy to be reunited with Al-Hussaini

Norman Black helped Rabeh Al-Hussaini blossom into a dynamic center with Ateneo. Now at Talk ‘N Text, the American mentor is enthusiastic about rekindling his successful partnership with the Fil-Kuwaiti slotman.

In a blockbuster deal consummated Thursday, the Tropang Texters got the services of Al-Hussaini from the GlobalPort Batang Pier in exchange for wantaway athletic forward Japeth Aguilar, exactly a week before the Commissioners Cup unfolds.

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“I’m very happy with the trade,” expressed Black in a phone interview with Yahoo! Philippines Friday afternoon.

Black, 55, who made a rousing comeback to the pro league by steering the Tropang Texters to a ‘three-peat’ in the Philippine Cup last month, will be making a reunion of sorts with Al-Hussaini, 24, a former UAAP MVP who led the Blue Eagles to back-to-back titles in 2008 to 2009.

“I have worked with Rabeh before and I’m glad of working with him again,” added Black.

Selected second overall by Air21 in the 2010 Draft behind fellow Atenean Noy Baclao, Al-Hussaini–who emerged as the top rookie that year–will be suiting up for his fourth squad in three years after also seeing action with San Miguel/Petron Blaze and Powerade/GlobalPort.

In the eyes of Black, the deal enabled Talk ‘N Text to gain added frontline support heading to the mid-season tourney set to start next Friday.

“Actually it’s a good trade for us. Since Japeth was asking for a trade, I think we were able to get a talented big man who is very rare in the league nowadays. He’ll be a good addition to the team,” he noted.

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Al-Hussaini, who averaged 6.09 points, 3.73 rebounds and 1.27 assists in 11 outings with the Batang Pier in the PBA Philippine Cup, is expected to alternate with ageless center Ali Peek, Ranidel De Ocampo and Kelly Williams in manning the paint.

Black, however, is not rushing things with Al-Hussaini, saying: “His role will be lessened because of the import-flavored conference.”

The Tropang Texters, who celebrated their triumphant all-Filipino tourney run with a vacation trip to Hong Kong recently, have already resumed their practice as they bid to make up for a runner-up finish in the previous Commissioners Cup edition won by San Mig Coffee (then known as the B-Meg Llamados).

“We have started (practicing) two days ago. I think we should be okay,” he concluded.