Tab Baldwin praises Yeng Guiao for 'great job' at Asian Games

Former national team head coach Tab Baldwin on Monday praised Yeng Guiao, who led the Philippine team to a fifth place finish in the 2018 Asian Games basketball tournament.

"He did a great job in the Asian Games, under difficult circumstances," said Baldwin, now the Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach, in an interview with GMA News at the UAAP Season 81 press conference.

The nationals finished fifth in the regional tourney, the highest the Philippines has reached since placing fourth in the 2002 Asian Games.

Guiao's stint at the helm of the national team will last a little longer following his appointment to helm Gilas Pilipinas in a pair of qualifying matches for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup this month.

There are also reports that Guiao will take over the national program for Chot Reyes, who is serving a one-game suspension for his role in a bench-clearing brawl involving the Philippines and Australia in July.

Baldwin, however, believes that Guiao should focus on the task on hand.

"Right now, that's just a speculation. Right now, he has a responsibility for the first window. He did a great job in the Asian Games, under difficult circumstances. He will have [different] circumstances for the upcoming games. He's an experienced guy," Baldwin said.

The Ateneo head tactician said Guiao will "get a good response" from the PBA teams, which can contribute to building a better national team.

"Yeng is well-respected among the PBA teams. He's going to get a good response from the PBA teams. That's important for the team right now — a settled atmosphere and harmonious atmosphere. That can all be helpful," he said.

Baldwin was appointed Gilas coach 2014. During his stint at the national team, Gilas won the silver medal at the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship. He became Ateneo head coach two months after. —JST, GMA News