By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Coach Tab Baldwin is returning as Gilas Pilipinas’ head tactician after five long years.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas confirmed their latest move as the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup will be kicking off this June 16-20 in the Clark, Pampanga bubble.
“I have accepted the opportunity and the challenge to be Gilas’ head coach at this time. 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,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin served as the Gilas’ program director for almost two years now after being a part of their coaching staff way back 2015.
To recall, Baldwin was also the head coach of Gilas when they finished second-place during the 2015 FIBA Asia Cup and the Jones Cup.
Tagged as one of the best coaches to ever coach the national team, Baldwin will be embracing one of the toughest challenges of his career in the Philippines.
With no professional players listed in the official lineup of Gilas, Baldwin stressed the hardships they faced just forming the young roster composed of cadets ranging from 17 years of age to 25.
The injuries suffered by Matt Nieto, Rey Suerte, and Dave Ildefonso also left a huge blow to the team that was already clicking since the Manama bubble.
“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. This is what I believe can make us worthy of a spot in the 2023 world stage,” added Baldwin.
Gilas will start their FIBA campaign against heavyweight team South Korea on June 16 and will face them again on June 20.
The top two teams in each group will then advance to the next round of the FIBA Asia Cup set to take place in August.
