SBP explains Tab Baldwin's reappointment as Gilas head coach

It was hardly a surprise when Tab Baldwin was tapped anew by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to lead the way for Gilas Pilipinas as its head coach.

The decorated American-New Zealander mentor was at the helm when the nationals bagged silver medals in both the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship and 2015 William Jones Cup.

The 63-year-old mentor was also the architect behind the Filipinos' gold-medal finish in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games.

But almost five years since he last held the drawing board for the nationals, Baldwin is again named the head coach. And SBP explained just why.

According to SBP special assistant to the president Ryan Gregorio, the program was really laid out by Baldwin himself as the federation's program director.

It was also Baldwin's vision that led the national team to gather youthful stars today with the 2023 FIBA World Cup serving as the long-term vision.

"It is important to understand and of course know that coach Tab Baldwin is tasked to run the program all the way to 2023. And he is just so encouraged and excited to hold these young players all the way in that direction," Gregorio said on Sunday during a press conference.

"Basically, the reason is that it's his program. So it being his program, he wants to make sure that all of the adjustments will be done in accordance to his preference."

But the SBP is not yet certain if Baldwin's tenure will last until the World Cup, which the Philippines will co-host with Japan and Indonesia.

The federation, however, assured that the Ateneo de Manila University mentor will patrol the sidelines at least for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers next week until the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade in late June.

Gregorio added that Baldwin, having coached multiple national teams from various countries in the past, makes him a perfect fit for the job.

"He understands international play better than any of us or better than anyone on his coaching staff," Gregorio added.

"That is precisely the reason why he is so excited to take on the function."

Baldwin is set to inherit the position that was previously held by former Talk 'N Text active consultant Mark Dickel, who coached the team during the first window, and Jong Uichico, who called the shots during Philippines' 2-0 sweep of Thailand in the second window.

Uichico will still remain on the bench as Baldwin's assistant coach along with Sandy Arespacochaga, Caloy Garcia, Boyet Fernandez, and Alton Lister.

"He’s very happy with the tremendous support that he’s getting from his coaching staff," Gregorio said.

Baldwin's tough new assignment starts on Wednesday when Gilas faces South Korea followed by a clash with Indonesia on the 19th and the Koreans again on the 20th.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News