Tab Baldwin back as Gilas Pilipinas head coach

Tab Baldwin is set to take the reins for the Gilas Pilipinas team that will see action in two crucial competitions this month.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Sunday announced that the American-Kiwi mentor will call the shots for the nationals come the final window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and the FIBA OQT.

Baldwin, who's also the SBP program director, has accepted the opportunity to lead the Filipinos anew after previous stints as head coach before.

"I have accepted the opportunity and the challenge to be Gilas' head coach at this time. 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," he said.

"I'm hoping that my international coaching experience and familiarity with our playing systems will be an additional asset to the team in the upcoming challenges the team is facing."

Baldwin's resume speaks for itself.

After coaching for multiple countries like New Zealand, Lebanon, and Jordan, he was appointed as head coach of the Philippines in 2014 as a replacement for Chot Reyes.

He then brought his act to collegiate basketball, steering Ateneo de Manila University to three UAAP titles highlighted by a 16-0 sweep of Season 82.

The 63-year-old tactician will now be the third coach to handle the Gilas program in these Qualifiers after Mark Dickel in the first window and Jong Uichico in the second.

Baldwin is confident with the bevy of talent that he has currently in the pool, led by Angelo Kouame, Dwight Ramos, Isaac Go, and Kai Sotto.

"The players are responding very well to the system and to each other. Bumps along the road are inevitable due to their youth and relative lack of experience, but these could be double-edged swords too," he said.

"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."

Gilas faces South Korea twice on June 16 and 20 while taking on Indonesia on the 19th. They only need a win to advance to the next round.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News