New Gilas coach Tab Baldwin's goal: Philippines in Rio Olympics

 

Newly-installed Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin is eyeing to clinch a ticket to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

"I wanna see Gilas Pilipinas in Rio in the Olympics. I wanna see us have gold medals in our next FIBA Asia qualifications," said Baldwin, whose appointment is formally announced in a press conference on Monday.

 

It would a tough challenge, however, as the Philippine men's national team last made an Olympic appearance in 1972 and last won a gold medal in the FIBA Asia Championship in 1985.

 

In 2013, Gilas Pilipinas came close with a silver medal behind Iran to qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup with Baldwin as team consultant under coach Chot Reyes.

 

Baldwin, wearing a Gilas Pilipinas shirt in his first appearance as coach before gathered press at Mall of Asia Arena, said he could feel the change in the meaning of the clothing.

 

"The shirt seems a little bit heavier now, and I'm sure that's the weight of expectation and it should be that way. It's an important job to be the head coach of a national team," he said.

 

"My greatest desire is to do justice to this great job," he added.

 

Baldwin, who formerly coached the national teams of Malaysia, Jordan, and Lebanon, will be the national team mentor for the next four years leading to the FIBA World Championship for 2019.

 

"It's a tremendous privilege to succeed Coach Chot. I'm very, very excited because this team and this program is in good shape," he said.

 

Despite his extensive experience in coaching internationally, including steering the New Zealand national team to the semifinals of the 2002 FIBA World Championships, Baldwin said coaching the Philippines will exert the most pressure.

 

"The Gilas Pilipinas job will probably the leader of the pack in terms of expectations, aspirations, in terms of the desire of so many people to have success," he said.

 

Aside from coaching the men's team, Baldwin will also be in charge of overseeing the coaching for other national teams like the Under 16 and Under 18 groups. —JST, GMA News