Tab Baldwin to be named Gilas Pilipinas head coach: report

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Tab Baldwin to be named Gilas Pilipinas head coach: report

Well-traveled basketball coach Tab Baldwin is reportedly set to be named the new head coach of the Philippine national basketball team.

A New Zealand website reported Wednesday that Baldwin will not be returning to his old post as coach of the Tall Blacks – the New Zealand national basketball team – and instead take over as Gilas Pilipinas coach.

"NZhoops can reveal that Baldwin has committed to a full-time role with the Philippines national side, with the American-born coach set to be unveiled as their head coach in the coming days," the website reported.Baldwin has previously served as head coach of Malaysia, Lebanon and Jordan and helmed the New Zealand team from 2001 to 2006.

Baldwin then served as a consultant for Gilas Pilipinas as well as Talk 'N Text, and was one of the early favorites for the Gilas post when it was vacated by Chot Reyes.

In an interview in early November, Baldwin said it was an honor to be considered, but at the time he was focused on his job with the Texters.

"I've coached four national teams, and it's always an honor," he said. "I feel very privileged to be in that position, and if it happens again, whether it was the Philippines or New Zealand or any other country, it would be a great honor to think that the basketball people of that country would ask me to head their national team."

NZHoops further reported that with Baldwin taking the Gilas job, the position of head coach for the New Zealand team remains open.

source: abs-cbnnews.com