GILAS Pilipinas coach Tab Balwin will call the shots for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in Season 79 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Jose Ramon “Jett” Villarin, SJ, confirmed this in the university’s official website yesterday.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Anthony ‘Tab’ Baldwin as Head Coach of our men’s basketball team,” Fr. Villarin wrote in a memo addressed to the University community. “Many of you may know Coach Tab because of his great success with our Gilas Team, which won the silver medal in the FIBA Asia tourney last October.”
Baldwin replaces Bo Perasol, who handled the Blue Eagles for the past three years.
“We remain truly grateful to him (Perasol) for all that he has done for us and we wish him all the best,” Fr. Villarin added.
Baldwin starts handling the Blue Eagles this month.
“We begin our preparations for Season 79 right away this December and we look forward to working hard for the UAAP championship,” added Fr. Villarin in his statement.
Villarin said winning the championship is the primary goal under Baldwin’s watch.
“As I have said before, if we set our sights on winning, it is never solely for our own glory,” he wrote.
He added that Baldwin’s entry into the team was made possible with the support of alumni and team supporter Manny Pangilinan.
“We could not have accomplished bringing such a renowned coach to the Ateneo without the support and guidance of Manny Pangilinan. As always, we thank MVP for his leadership and constant care of our alma mater,” added Villarin.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao warned of the legal ramifications that Ateneo may encounter, citing a court ruling obtained by the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines barring foreigners from holding local coaching posts that should have been given to a Filipino instead.