Aaron Black (basketball)

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Aaron Black

| image =

| caption =

| league = PBA

| position = Point guard / shooting guard

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 1

| weight_lb = 180

| team = Meralco Bolts

| number = 1

| nationality = Filipino / American

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1996|12|3}}

| birth_place = Philippines

| high school = Ateneo (Quezon City)

| college = Ateneo

| draft_year_pba = 2019

| draft_round_pba = 2

| draft_pick_pba = 18th overall{{efn|group=n|The 2019 draft was composed of two drafts: the Gilas special draft, which consists of 5 players reserved for the Gilas Pilipinas program, and the regular draft. Black was selected as the eighteenth pick of the regular draft.}}

| draft_team_pba = Meralco Bolts

| career_start = 2019

| years1 = 2019

| team1 = Quezon City Capitals

| years2 = 2019–2020

| team2 = Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines

| years3 = 2020–present

| team3 = Meralco Bolts

| highlights =

}}

Norman Aaron Black (born December 3, 1996) is a Filipino-American professional basketball player for the Meralco Bolts of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He won the PBA Outstanding Rookie award in 2021. He is the son of former PBA Best Import Norman Black, who is also the former head coach of Meralco.

College career

After playing in high school for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets, Black committed to the senior team of Ateneo.{{Cite web|last=Terrado|first=Reuben|date=March 12, 2014|title=Aaron Black still blue: Norman's son commits to Ateneo after stellar junior career with Eaglets|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-still-blue-normans-son-commits-to-ateneo-after-stellar-junior-career-with-eaglets|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Spin.ph|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210513085412/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-still-blue-normans-son-commits-to-ateneo-after-stellar-junior-career-with-eaglets |archive-date = May 13, 2021 }} He didn't play that season as he was a team captain for the Philippine team in the 2014 FIBA Asia U-18 Championship.{{Cite web|last=Terrado|first=Reuben|date=July 1, 2014|title=Aaron Black not included in Ateneo roster for Season 77|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-ateneo-blue-eagles-uaap-season-77-norman-black-philippine-youth-team-fiba-asia-under-18|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Spin.ph|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182416/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-ateneo-blue-eagles-uaap-season-77-norman-black-philippine-youth-team-fiba-asia-under-18 |archive-date = January 18, 2022 }}

He made his college debut the next season, scoring 11 points in a win over the Adamson Soaring Falcons.{{Cite web|title=Fiery Ateneo debut just the first step as Aaron Black tries to live up to proud name|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-son-of-norman-black-makes-big-ateneo-debut-in-uaap-vs-adamson-falcons-bl|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Spin.ph|language=en}} He scored 13 points in 13 minutes to extend Ateneo's win streak to five against the De La Salle Green Archers.{{Cite web|last=Terrado|first=Reuben|date=November 9, 2015|title=Unsung heroes Adrian Wong, Aaron Black give Blue Eagles depth ahead of playoffs|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-adrian-wong-ateneo-la-salle-uaap-season-78|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Spin.ph|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182650/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-adrian-wong-ateneo-la-salle-uaap-season-78 |archive-date = January 18, 2022 }} His team lost in the semis that season to the FEU Tamaraws.{{Cite web|last=Bracher|first=Jane|date=November 21, 2015|title=Belo buzzer-beater pushes FEU past Ateneo into UAAP Finals|url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/113580-feu-ateneo-belo-buzzer-beater/|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=RAPPLER|language=en-US|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220106131126/https://www.rappler.com/sports/113580-feu-ateneo-belo-buzzer-beater/ |archive-date = January 6, 2022 }}

With Season 78 MVP Kiefer Ravena graduating, Black transitioned from role player to one of the Eagles' top players.{{Cite web|last=Terrado|first=Reuben|title=Kiefer lessons come in handy as Aaron Black makes transition from role player to go-to guy|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-learned-a-lot-from-kiefer-ravena-von-pessumal-ateneo-blue-eagl|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Spin.ph|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201023021807/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-learned-a-lot-from-kiefer-ravena-von-pessumal-ateneo-blue-eagl |archive-date = October 23, 2020 }} In their first game of Season 79, he had a game-high 23 points and a win against the UST Growling Tigers.{{Cite web|last=Terrado|first=Reuben|date=September 4, 2016|title=Thirdy Ravena, Aaron Black form deadly one-two punch for Ateneo in win over UST Tigers|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-thirdy-ravena-lead-ateneo-blue-eagles-past|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Spin.ph|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201021022854/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-thirdy-ravena-lead-ateneo-blue-eagles-past |archive-date = October 21, 2020 }} In a game against FEU, he injured his left foot, causing him to sit out for three weeks.{{Cite web|last=Terrado|first=Reuben|date=October 20, 2016|title=Ateneo guard Aaron Black vows to get back in top shape soon as Final Four race heats up|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-injury-comeback-ateneo-blue-eagles-uaap-season-79|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Spin.ph|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220117151747/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-injury-comeback-ateneo-blue-eagles-uaap-season-79 |archive-date = January 17, 2022 }} He returned in a win against the UE Red Warriors. He scored 16 points to help Ateneo prevent La Salle from sweeping the elimination round.{{Cite web|last=Terrado|first=Reuben|date=November 5, 2016|title=Ateneo shatters La Salle cloak of invincibility, spoils Archers sweep bid with famous upset|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/season-79-ateneo-la-salle-aaron-black-kib-montalbo|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Spin.ph|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182614/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/season-79-ateneo-la-salle-aaron-black-kib-montalbo |archive-date = January 18, 2022 }} For that performance, he was named Player of the Week.{{Cite web|last=Terrado|first=Reuben|title=Aaron Black earns UAAP Player of the Week nod in leading Ateneo's masterful win vs La Salle|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/uaap-press-corps-player-of-the-week-ateneos-aaron-black|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Spin.ph|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182347/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/uaap-press-corps-player-of-the-week-ateneos-aaron-black |archive-date = January 18, 2022 }} They lost in the Finals to La Salle.{{Cite web|last=Marquez|first=CJ|title=La Salle sweeps Ateneo to capture UAAP Season 79 men's basketball crown|url=https://cnnphilippines.com/sports/2016/12/07/la-salle-wins-uaap-79-basketball.html|url-status=dead|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=cnn|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161222203342/http://cnnphilippines.com:80/sports/2016/12/07/la-salle-wins-uaap-79-basketball.html |archive-date = December 22, 2016 }}

In Seasons 80 and 81, Black saw his stats dip under Coach Tab Baldwin, but was still a reliable contributor as Ateneo won back-to-back titles.{{Cite web|last=Leongson|first=Randolph B.|date=January 30, 2019|title=Aaron Black eager to spread his wings after leaving Eagles' nest|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-leaves-ateneo-blue-eagles-uaap-basketball-a2437-20190130|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Spin.ph|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182732/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/aaron-black-leaves-ateneo-blue-eagles-uaap-basketball-a2437-20190130 |archive-date = January 18, 2022 }} He forwent his final playing year.

Professional career

= Quezon City Capitals (2019) =

After playing for Ateneo, he next played for the Quezon City Capitals in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. He tallied 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists for a triple-double in a win against the Binan City Laguna Heroes.{{Cite web|last=Li|first=Matthew|date=June 26, 2019|title=QC's Aaron Black, Gen San's Mikey Williams shine despite Navotas-Rizal game halted|url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/qcs-aaron-black-gen-sans-mikey-williams-shine-despite-navotas-rizal-game-halted/153151|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Tiebreaker Times|language=en-US}} Black averaged 11.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in the 14 games that he played for Quezon City.{{ cite news |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=October 7, 2019 |title=Zamboanga gets Aaron Black for Costelo, Fajarito |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/zamboanga-gets-aaron-black-costelo-fajarito/164056 |work=Tiebreaker Times |accessdate=September 30, 2022 }}

= AMA Online Education Titans (2019) =

In 2019, Black played for the AMA Online Education Titans in the semi-professional PBA D-League Foundation Cup.{{Cite web|last=Leongson|first=Randolph B.|date=July 24, 2019|title=Paras, Black team up at AMA as Jonas Villanueva makes D-League coaching debut|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/d-league/andre-paras-aaron-black-ama-pba-d-league-jonas-villanueva-jerwin-gaco-a2437-20190724|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Spin.ph|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210509020330/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/d-league/andre-paras-aaron-black-ama-pba-d-league-jonas-villanueva-jerwin-gaco-a2437-20190724 |archive-date = May 9, 2021 }} He had 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists in his debut.{{Cite web|last=Bacnis|first=Justine|date=July 25, 2019|title=Asia's Lashes weathers Aaron Black's triple-double outing for first win|url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/asias-lashes-weathers-aaron-blacks-triple-double-outing-first-win/155536|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Tiebreaker Times|language=en-US}} In their first win, he registered 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists, becoming only the third player in that league's history to rack up multiple triple-doubles after Mike Tolomia (twice) and Jeron Teng (thrice).{{Cite web|date=August 1, 2019|title=Aaron Black tallies second triple-double as AMA spoils Jonas Villanueva's coaching debut|url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/aaron-black-tallies-second-triple-double-as-ama-spoils-jonas-villanuevas-coaching-debut/156157|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Tiebreaker Times|language=en-US}} He cooled down slightly as AMA lost to Marinerong Pilipino, with only 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists.{{Cite web|date=August 8, 2019|title=Jhonard Clarito shines anew as Marinerong Pilipino turns back AMA|url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/jhonard-clarito-shines-anew-marinerong-pilipino-turns-back-ama/156663|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Tiebreaker Times|language=en-US}} He had another triple-double with 45 points, 18 assists, and 12 rebounds as AMA qualified for the quarterfinals.{{Cite web|date=September 5, 2019|title=Aaron Black posts crazy 45–18–12 line, punches AMA's QF ticket|url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/aaron-black-posts-crazy-45-18-12-line-punches-amas-qf-ticket/159011|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Tiebreaker Times|language=en-US}} He closed his D-League stint with 22 points as Marinerong Pilipino eliminated them.{{Cite web|date=September 12, 2019|title=Poligrates stars anew as Marinerong Pilipino eliminates AMA|url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/poligrates-stars-anew-marinerong-pilipino-boots-ama/159868|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Tiebreaker Times|language=en-US}}

= Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines (2019–2020) =

Black was traded to the Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines{{Cite web|last=Sacamos|first=Karlo|date=October 7, 2019|title=QC Capitals give up standout Aaron Black for two Zamboanga role players|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/aaron-black-trade-mpbl-zamboanga-family-s-brand-sardines-quezon-city-capitals-ryan-costelo-christian-fajarito-a794-20191007|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Spin.ph|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200806102819/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/aaron-black-trade-mpbl-zamboanga-family-s-brand-sardines-quezon-city-capitals-ryan-costelo-christian-fajarito-a794-20191007 |archive-date = August 6, 2020 }} where he became teammates with future Meralco teammate Alvin Pasaol.{{ cite web |last=Gonzales |first=Iggy |date=February 29, 2020 |title=ASISTIO AND BLACK BRINGING THE ONE BIG FIGHT IN ZAMBOANGA |url=https://www.pinoyliga.com/news-feed/asistio-and-black-bringing-the-one-big-fight-in-zamboanga/pnMTQxNzM3NDI= |website=pinoyliga.com |accessdate=September 30, 2022 }}

= Meralco Bolts (2020–present) =

== 2020 season: Rookie season ==

In the 2019 PBA Draft, Black was drafted 18th overall by the Meralco Bolts, who are coached by his father, Norman Black.{{Cite web |date=October 3, 2020 |title=Playing for dad 'different,' 'familiar' for Aaron Black |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/aaron-black-playing-for-dad-norman-black-different-familiar |website=Rappler}} He became only the third PBA player to be coached by his father as a head coach after Dodot Jaworski with Robert Jaworski and Marc Agustin with Ato Agustin.{{Cite web |last=Henson |first=Joaquin |author-link=Joaquin Henson |date=April 20, 2022 |title=Coach's son a finals revelation |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2022/04/20/2175383/coachs-son-finals-revelation |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Philstar.com}} In the Bolts' first win, he produced 8 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, which was better than his losing debut of 6 points, 3 assists, and 2 turnovers.{{Cite web|last=Bacnis|first=Justine|date=October 14, 2020|title=Norman Black proud of son Aaron's solid outing vs Alaska|url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/norman-black-proud-son-aarons-solid-outing-vs-alaska/191816|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Tiebreaker Times|language=en-US}} He contributed 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal in an overtime win against the Magnolia Hotshots. He copped a Rookie of the Week honor as Meralco started the year 3–1.{{Cite web|date=November 10, 2020|title=Paul Lee's heater leads to PBA Bubble Player of the Week honor|url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/paul-lees-heater-leads-to-pba-bubble-player-of-the-week-honor/195330|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Tiebreaker Times|language=en-US}} They finished 7–4, qualifying for the playoffs as a 5th seed and playing against the San Miguel Beermen.{{Cite web|last=Reyes|first=Kate|date=November 12, 2020|title=Bolts reflect on the tough love, bond built by coach Norman Black|url=https://www.spin.ph/life/people/meralco-bolts-tribute-norman-black-birthday-a2442-20201112|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Spin.ph|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201113061335/https://www.spin.ph/life/people/meralco-bolts-tribute-norman-black-birthday-a2442-20201112 |archive-date = November 13, 2020 }} In Game 1, he dropped 11 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter as Meralco defeated San Miguel, 78–71, and forced a rubber match for a semis seat.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Black makes dad Norman proud |url=https://www.pba.ph/news/aaron-black-makes-dad-norman-proud |website=www.pba.ph}} This performance gave him another Rookie of the Week award. They clinched a spot in the semifinals with a dominating 90–68 win.{{Cite web|last=Terrado|first=Reuben|date=December 30, 2020|title=PBA yearender: Meralco Bolts savor best all-Filipino showing ever|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/top-stories-of-the-meralco-bolts-in-2020-a795-20201230|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Spin.ph|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201230130706/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/top-stories-of-the-meralco-bolts-in-2020-a795-20201230 |archive-date = December 30, 2020 }} In the semis, they lost in 5 games to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, with Scottie Thompson preventing Meralco from going to the Finals. He finished the season by winning the Rookie of the Year Award, becoming the lowest draft pick to do so.{{Cite web |last=Dioquino |first=Delfin |date=January 17, 2021 |title=Aaron Black claims Outstanding Rookie plum |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/aaron-black-philippine-cup-outstanding-rookie-2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117111400/https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/aaron-black-philippine-cup-outstanding-rookie-2020 |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |website=Rappler}} He was also named to the All-Rookie Team.{{Cite web|last=Bacnis|first=Justine|date=March 7, 2021|title=Aaron Black leads PBA All-Rookie team|url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/aaron-black-leads-pba-all-rookie-team/202805|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=Tiebreaker Times|language=en-US}}

== 2021 season: First Finals appearance ==

In a 2021 Philippine Cup win against the Beermen, Black scored 14 points.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=July 18, 2021 |title=Meralco blemishes Fajardo return, Perez debut to open PBA campaign |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/meralco-blemishes-fajardo-return-perez-debut-to-open-pba-campaign/213690 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} He injured his hand during a game against the Terrafirma Dyip.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=September 16, 2021 |title=Aaron Black did not suffer any fracture, says Norman |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/aaron-black-did-not-suffer-any-fracture-says-norman/219531 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} He was cleared to return nearly a month later during the playoffs.{{Cite web |date=October 14, 2021 |title=Aaron Black cleared to return, but Maliksi diagnosed with fractured cheekbone |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/black-returns-maliksi-diagnosed-with-fractured-cheekbone-a1374-20211014 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}} Meralco got to the semifinals in that conference, where they were eliminated by Magnolia.{{Cite web |last=Lozada |first=Bong |date=October 15, 2021 |title=Magnolia returns to PBA PH Cup finals, ousts Meralco |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/439026/magnolia-returns-to-pba-ph-cup-finals-ousts-meralco |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}} In a 2021 Governors' Cup win over the NLEX Road Warriors, he scored 19 points.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=February 11, 2022 |title=PBA: Bishop-powered Meralco goes to 3-0, weathers McDaniels' 41-point game |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-bishop-powered-meralco-goes-to-3-0-weathers-mcdaniels-41-point-game/231330 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} They faced Magnolia once again in the semis where in Game 1, he had 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists to contribute in the win.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=March 25, 2022 |title=PBA: Bishop atones for poor Game One as Meralco levels series vs Magnolia |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-bishop-atones-for-poor-game-one-as-meralco-levels-series-vs-magnolia/235041 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} In Game 5, he stepped up for the injured Chris Banchero with 16 points as they got past Magnolia and reached the Finals against Ginebra.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=April 1, 2022 |title=PBA: Meralco eliminates Magnolia, sets up Ginebra tetralogy |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-meralco-eliminates-magnolia-sets-up-ginebra-tetralogy/235907 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} In his Finals debut, he scored 12 points as Meralco won first.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=April 7, 2022 |title=Aaron Black shakes off Finals jitters with opening basket |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/aaron-black-shakes-off-finals-jitters-with-opening-basket/236676 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} He then followed it up with 24 points, but Ginebra took the win to even the series 1–1.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=April 9, 2022 |title=Tim Cone says Aaron Black playing at an 'all-star' level but dad Norman says not yet |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/tim-cone-says-aaron-black-playing-at-an-all-star-level-but-dad-norman-says-not-yet/236830 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} In Game 5, he got a season-high 25 points, but Ginebra won that game and the next, making them the Governors' Cup champions.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=April 17, 2022 |title=PBA: Standhardinger, Thompson provide endgame push as Ginebra on verge of Govs' Cup |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-standhardinger-tolentino-provide-lift-as-ginebra-on-verge-of-govs-cup/237495 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=April 22, 2022 |title=PBA: Ginebra vanquishes Meralco anew, retains Govs' Cup crown |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-ginebra-vanquishes-meralco-anew-retains-govs-cup-crown/237896 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}

== 2022–23 season ==

On May 24, 2022, Black signed a two-year extension with the team.{{cite news |first=Gerry |last=Ramos |date=May 24, 2022 |title=No sophomore jinx as Aaron Black rewarded with two-year extension |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/no-sophomore-jinx-as-aaron-black-rewarded-with-two-year-contract-extension-by-bolts-a793-20220524 |work=Spin.ph |accessdate=May 24, 2022}} To start the 2022–23 season, he scored 19 points in a win over the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=June 11, 2022 |title=PBA: Hugnatan powers comeback vs Phoenix as Meralco scores debut win |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-newsome-black-hugnatan-lead-breakaway-vs-phoenix-as-meralco-scores-win-no-1/242342 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} He then followed it up by tying his career-high of 25 points in a win over the Converge FiberXers.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=June 16, 2022 |title=PBA: Aaron Black ties career-high as Meralco deals Converge worst loss yet |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-aaron-black-notches-career-high-as-meralco-deals-converge-worst-loss-yet/242837 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} He missed the next game due to a wrist sprain.{{Cite web |last=Ramos |first=Gerry |date=June 18, 2022 |title=Aaron Black sits out game after career night. Why? |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/black-sits-out-game-after-churning-out-career-night-a793-20220618 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}} Against the NorthPort Batang Pier, he made his return and put up 20 points, five rebounds, and seven assists to lead Meralco to the win.{{Cite web |last=Panerio |first=Jonas N. |date=June 23, 2022 |title=Meralco thumps NorthPort to move up to second in PBA Philippine Cup |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/sports/meralco-thumps-northport-to-move-up-to-second-in-pba-philippine-cup |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc. |language=en}} In a win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, he scored 20 points including a clutch triple with 35.6 seconds left.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=July 6, 2022 |title=PBA: Aaron Black nails dagger vs ROS as Meralco snaps two-game skid |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-aaron-black-nails-dagger-vs-ros-as-meralco-snaps-two-game-skid/244493 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} They ended the 2022 Philippine Cup with a record of 7–4, good for the fifth seed.{{Cite web |last=Valencia |first=Justin |date=July 21, 2022 |title=PBA: Meralco ends elims on right note, sends Terrafirma home winless |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-meralco-ends-elims-on-right-note-sends-terrafirma-home-winless/245910 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} In Game 1 of their quarterfinals series against Ginebra, he led the way with 25 points as they won.{{Cite web |last=Gloria |first=Gio |date=July 25, 2022 |title=This week in Philippine basketball: Aaron Black has put the Meralco Bolts in the driver's seat against a familiar and formidable foe in Barangay Ginebra |url=https://ballers.ph/features/this-week-in-philippine-basketball-aaron-black-has-put-the-meralco-bolts-in-the-drivers-seat-against-a-familiar-and-formidable-foe-in-barangay-ginebra/ |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=BALLERS.PH |language=en}} With a win the following game, Meralco was finally able to get past Ginebra in a series.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=July 31, 2022 |title=PBA: Meralco ends years of heartbreak vs Ginebra, books date with SMB |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-meralco-ends-years-of-heartbreak-vs-ginebra-books-date-with-smb/246635 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} In Game 4 of their semis against the Beermen, he led with 21 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists to tie the series.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=August 10, 2022 |title=PBA: Meralco jumps on SMB early, evens series |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-meralco-jumps-on-smb-early-evens-series/247354 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} Then in Game 6, he scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter and also grabbed five rebounds and six assists to force a do-or-die game.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=August 14, 2022 |title=Game 6 Aaron: Young Black makes dad proud with takeover performance |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/game-6-aaron-young-black-makes-dad-proud-with-takeover-performance/247750 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} However, they lost Game 7, and were eliminated from title contention.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=August 17, 2022 |title=PBA: Fajardo, Perez dominate Meralco, power San Miguel to Finals |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-fajardo-perez-dominate-meralco-power-san-miguel-to-finals/247945 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}

Meralco then started the Commissioner's Cup with back-to-back losses, but finally got their first win of the conference against Terrafirma in which he had 17 points.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=October 7, 2022 |title=PBA: Quinto sparks Meralco's breakaway, deals Terrafirma 20th straight loss |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-quinto-sparks-meralcos-breakaway-deals-terrafirma-20th-straight-loss/251693 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} In a game against Rain or Shine, Black was accidentally elbowed in the nose by Rey Nambatac and had to be taken to the hospital.{{Cite web |last=Ramos |first=Gerry |date=October 22, 2022 |title=Aaron Black rushed to hospital after accidental Nambatac elbow |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/aaron-black-rushed-hospital-elbow-rey-nambatac-rain-or-shine-vs-meralco-pba-commissioner-s-cup |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}} In a win over the TNT Tropang Giga, he had a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds, along with six assists, a steal, and a block.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=2022-11-16 |title=PBA: Almazan, McDaniels deliver as Meralco beats TNT for third straight win |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-almazan-mcdaniels-deliver-as-meralco-beats-tnt-for-third-straight-win/255385 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} Meralco didn't qualify for the playoffs that conference.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=November 30, 2022 |title=PBA: Clark's 40, Varilla-Miranda connection give NLEX hope, eliminate Meralco |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-mcdaniels-40-varilla-miranda-connection-give-nlex-hope-eliminate-meralco/256816 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}

Black missed some games during the Governors' Cup due to a knee injury.{{Cite web |last=Terrado |first=Reuben |date=January 23, 2023 |title=Aaron Black, Aljun Melecio miss openers, but set to be back soon |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/why-aaron-black-aljun-melecio-miss-meralco-converge-debuts-a795-20230123 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}} In a win over the Blackwater Bossing, he contributed 19 points, three rebounds, and seven assists.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=February 4, 2023 |title=PBA: Comebacking Caram, Meralco dampen Rosario's return with 26-point beatdown |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-comebacking-caram-meralco-dampen-rosarios-return-with-26-point-beatdown/261116 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} He then had 21 points and eight rebounds in a loss to TNT.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=February 17, 2023 |title=PBA: All-around Hollis-Jefferson tows TNT past Meralco |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-all-around-hollis-jefferson-tows-tnt-past-meralco/262314 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} In a win over Converge, he had 26 points alongside eight boards and five assists.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=March 3, 2023 |title=PBA: Meralco spoils Danny Ildefonso's return, Franklin's 57-point outing |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-meralco-spoils-danny-ildefonsos-return-franklins-57-point-outing/264304 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} During the PBA All-Star Week, he participated in the Three-Point shootout and the Greats vs Stalwarts game.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=March 10, 2023 |title=PBA: Paul Lee torches Marcio, Juami in 3-point final |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-paul-lee-torches-marcio-juami-in-3-point-final/265244 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=March 10, 2023 |title=PBA: Adrian Wong-led Greats romp Encho Serrano's Stalwarts in RSJ game |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-adrian-wong-led-greats-romp-tios-stalwarts-in-rsj-game/265296 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} In the quarterfinals against Magnolia, he scored 16 points, and made a buzzer-beating shot that sent the game into overtime, where Meralco was able to pull out the 113–107 win.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=March 22, 2023 |title=PBA: Aaron Black saves the day as rest of Meralco takes charge in OT, boots out Magnolia |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-aaron-black-saves-the-day-as-rest-of-meralco-takes-charge-in-ot-boots-out-magnolia/267040 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} In Game 2 of their semis against TNT, he led Meralco to the win with career-highs of 28 points and 10 assists.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=March 26, 2023 |title=PBA: Black, Hodge take charge in OT as Meralco evens series vs TNT |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-black-hodge-take-charge-in-ot-as-meralco-evens-series-vs-tnt/267540 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} TNT eventually eliminated Meralco in that series.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=March 31, 2023 |title=PBA: Mikey Williams puts nail in Meralco's coffin as TNT sets up clash vs Ginebra |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-mikey-williams-puts-nail-in-meralcos-coffin-as-tnt-sets-up-clash-vs-ginebra/268101 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}

PBA career statistics

As of the end of 2023–24 season{{Cite web |title=Aaron Black Player Profile, Meralco Bolts - RealGM |url=https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Aaron-Black/Summary/172213 |website=basketball.realgm.com}}

=Season-by-season averages=

| align=left | {{pbay|2020}}

| align=left | Meralco

| 18 || 17.8 || .389 || .347 || .692 || 3.7 || 1.7 || .3 || {{sort|-|—}} || 6.6

| align=left | {{pbay|2021}}

| align=left | Meralco

| 31 || 23.7 || .398 || .271 || .641 || 3.5 || 2.1 || .4 || .2 || 8.5

| align=left | {{pbay|2022}}

| align=left | Meralco

| 47 || 33.3 || .430 || .369 || .660 || 5.7 || 4.4 || .4 || .2 || 14.6

| align=left | {{pbay|2023}}

| align=left | Meralco

| 19 || 26.4 || .360 || .397 || .667 || 5.3 || 3.2 || .8 || .2 || 9.6

|-class=sortbottom

| align="center" colspan=2 | Career

| 115 || 27.1 || .408 || .345 || .659 || 4.7 || 3.2 || .5 || .2 || 10.9

National team career

Black was a team captain for the Philippine team in the 2014 FIBA Asia U-18 Championship. He also played for Mighty Sports in the 2019 William Jones Cup.{{Cite web|last=Marquez|first=CJ|date=May 20, 2019|title=Returning Mighty Sports PH hopes to repeat success in Jones Cup|url=https://cnnphilippines.com/sports/2019/5/20/mighty-sports-jones-cup-philippines.html|url-status=dead|access-date=January 17, 2022|website=cnn|language=en|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190522070020/http://cnnphilippines.com:80/sports/2019/5/20/mighty-sports-jones-cup-philippines.html |archive-date = May 22, 2019 }} In 2023, he was part of the training pool for that year's SEA Games.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=March 26, 2023 |title=Aaron Black grateful for NT call up: 'Matagal ko nang gusto maging part ng Gilas' |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/aaron-black-grateful-for-ntcall-up-matagal-ko-nang-gusto-maging-part-ng-gilas/267559 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}

Personal life

Black's father Norman is also a former coach of the Ateneo Blue Eagles. His older sister Dominique is a lawyer who works for a Canadian company in London. He has a girlfriend, Alexandrea Enciso.{{Cite web |last=Tantengco |first=Ceej |date=January 29, 2021 |title=Made for This: The incredible rookie journey of Aaron Black – SLAMonline Philippines |url=https://slamonlineph.com/made-for-this-the-incredible-rookie-journey-of-aaron-black/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302043201/https://slamonlineph.com/made-for-this-the-incredible-rookie-journey-of-aaron-black/ |archive-date=March 2, 2021 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=SLAM Online PH}}{{Cite web |last=Lozada |first=Mei-Lin |date=December 4, 2017 |title=Girlfriends stand by their men at end of a fiercely fought Ateneo-La Salle finale |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/girlfriends-stand-by-their-men-at-end-of-a-fiercely-fought-ateneo-la-salle-finale |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}}