Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin reflects on 100 UAAP wins milestone

Tab Baldwin recently joined an elite group of coaches in UAAP history.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach became only the third tactician in the league’s Final Four era to reach 100 wins, joining former Ateneo coach Norman Black and former La Salle and Adamson coach Franz Pumaren.

Baldwin notched his 100th victory last Saturday when Ateneo edged Far Eastern University in overtime, 86-83. He then followed it up with his 101st win last Wednesday against the University of the East, 62-60.

But for Baldwin, the milestone is less about personal glory, but more about the program and the people behind it.

“I don't win any games. I haven't won 100 games,” Baldwin said after the win over UE.

“Ateneo has won 100 games while I’ve been labeled the head coach. That’s the truth. It’s not about humility. It’s just the truth.”

While the milestone highlights his decorated run with Ateneo, Baldwin believes the greater accomplishment is simply having stayed long enough to coach over 135 games for the Katipunan-based squad, and more will come as he recently signed a three-season extension with the school.

What truly matters to Baldwin is the growth of his players, both on and off the court.

“I want every player coming out of our program to be a better person and a better basketball player,” he said.

“Through their academic and basketball work, I want them to have the post-college opportunities they dream about, and have worked to earn. That’s the biggest thing for me.”

Baldwin acknowledged that championships are part of the expectations, but he believes winning is a byproduct of doing things right.

“Winning championships is what our alumni want, obviously, and what our bosses want. So, yes, I want that too. But as I’ve always said, I believe it’s the result of doing right by the players,” he explained.

“We’ll continue to use that formula, focusing on our players and their futures, and hopefully, that continues to deliver results for everyone.”

Baldwin took over the Ateneo program in 2016 and has since led the school to four UAAP championships in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News