Tab to handle Gilas PH
TAB Baldwin will coach the Gilas Pilipinas in the final window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 this week and in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced tesyerday.
In a statement, Baldwin, the Gilas program project director, said “I have accepted the opportunity and the challenge to be Gilas’ head coach at this time”.
Head coach of reigning champion UAAP champion Ateneo, Baldwin will be the third coach to handle the national team after Mark Dickel in the first window in 2020 and Jong Uichico in November 2020 during the second window in Bahrain.
“I am honored to continue working with this outstanding coaching staff as we strive to take these next steps forward in the direction we envision for 2023,” said Baldwin.
“I’m hoping that my international coaching experience and familiarity with our playing systems will be an additional asset to the team in the upcoming challenges the team is facing,” he added.
The team has yet to play a single practice game, but Baldwin acknowledge the quantity and quality of their practices heading into the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in Clark, Pampanga this week.
“The players are responding very well to the system and to each other. Bumps along the road are inevitable due to their youth and relative lack of experience, but these could be double-edged swords too. I know that when push comes to shove, these men will not only move forward, but more importantly, they will rise up because of the energy, athleticism, and determination granted to them by their youth,” said Baldwin.
“This is a developmental team that is not eyeing perfection, but progress. When you plan for things in the long run, you prioritize progress more than perfection because it allows for more opportunities to grow and learn,” he added.
“This is what I believe can make us worthy of a spot in the 2023 world stage.”
