Tab Baldwin to be named Gilas Pilipinas coach – report

MANILA, Philippines – Tab Baldwin will be named the head coach of the Philippine Men’s National basketball team, a New Zealand basketball site reports.

A report on New Zealand basketball website NZHoops.com said on Wednesday, December 17 that Baldwin had accepted the job of leading Gilas Pilipinas in their pursuit of a slot in the 2016 Rio Olympics.  

Baldwin, who joined Gilas as a consultant in 2013, fits the criteria set by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) selection committee. In November 2014, SBP President Sonny Barrios said the next Gilas head coach should have the following: 

• International experience and exposure
• Leadership with Maturity
• Ability to motivate players even in stressful situations

With head coaching stints in Malaysia, Lebanon, and Jordan, Baldwin is no stranger to international competition. His stint with Gilas over the past 2 years should also prove helpful as he tries to develop chemistry with the players. 

(RELATED: Most unforgettable Gilas Pilipinas moments of 2014)

Baldwin currently serves as consultant to Talk ‘N Text head coach Jong Uichico.

Baldwin will be tasked to turn things around for the national team following its underwhelming performance in the Asian Games held in Korea where then head coach Chot Reyes blasted naturalized player Marcus Douthit for his poor play.

The well-travelled coach will try to build around Gilas Pilipinas’ successes, which include a silver medal finish in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship. That paved the way to the team’s appearance in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, where they showed they belonged on the world stage by pushing more experienced teams like Croatia and Argentina and winning its first game in world basketball after 40 years when they defeated Senegal. – Rappler.com