BALDWIN TAKES OVER GILAS COACHING REINS
The national basketball federation has chosen Talk n Text consultant Thomas Anthony “Tab” Baldwin as the new head coach of Gilas Pilipinas.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is formally announcing the appointment of Baldwin in a press conference at the Mall of Asia Arena Tuesday, shortly before Game Three of the PBA Philippine Cup Final Four matchup between Talk n Text and San Miguel Beer.
“We’ve signed him to a four-year contract,” said SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas.
Vargas said Baldwin will be joined by SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan, executive director Sonny Barrios and PBA commissioner Chito Salud in the press conference.
Baldwin is expected to form the national team from a pool of players from the PBA.
Chot Reyes could be tapped as consultant and Jong Uichico as chief assistant coach.
Baldwin, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, is a veteran international coach who won the 2001 FIBA Oceania championship for New Zealand and reached the 2002 World Championship semifinals with the Tall Blacks.
Baldwin also has got a full grasp of Asian basketball.
In 2011, Baldwin called the shots as Jordan ended Iran’s four-year reign as FIBA Asia champion, stopping the Iranians in their semifinals showdown in Wuhan, China.
Baldwin and Jordan narrowly lost the gold medal game to the host team.
He has also handled the national teams of Malaysia and Jordan. (SB)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
