Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 13) – Veteran mentor Tab Baldwin will be back on the sidelines for Gilas Pilipinas, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced on Sunday.
Baldwin will coach Gilas Pilipinas in their campaigns at the final window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers slated this week in Clark, Pampanga, and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, Serbia late this month.
“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, also the national team’s program director.
Baldwin first coached the Philippines in 2015, where he guided the country to bridesmaid finishes in the William Jones Cup and the FIBA Asia Championship. He also guided the Gilas team that competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics Qualification Tournament held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The veteran tactician said the young Gilas roster easily adapted to his system as the Filipinos face a daunting task to win at home soil against South Korea on June 16 and 20 and Indonesia on June 18.
“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.
Baldwin is also the country’s third head coach in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, after Mark Dickel in the first window and Jong Uichico in the second window.
Gilas currently leads and holds a 3-0 record in Group A and only needs one more win to qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup.
The FIBA Olympic Qualification Tournament is slated on June 29 to July 4, where Gilas is grouped with host country Serbia and Dominican Republic.
CNN Philippines correspondent Pauline Verzosa contributed to this report.
