In coach Tab, we trust! Baldwin back as Gilas bench boss

Photo credit: Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas/Twitter, FIBA/website

Gilas PIlipinas is on their final steps of preparation for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in Clark, Pampanga starting this Wednesday, June 16.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas to compete in FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament

For the second window in a row, we’ll be sending our promising cadets once again. This time around, the Gilas team have the best man for the job to lead them.

the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas confirmed ahead of the country’s hosting that Tab Baldwin is back at the helm of Gilas Pilipinas. 

Photo credit: Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas/Twitter

The American-Kiwi mentor has been serving as program director for the national team for some time, but everyone knows it’s in the sidelines where he truly belongs. 

After all, he previously led Gilas to two silver medal finishes in the William Jones Cup and the FIBA Asia Championship and a gold in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games.

Si Coach Tab lang ang sakalam!

Gilas will have a challenging time on its hands, as they play our tormentors South Korea twice in the tournament, along with a clash with the much-improved Indonesian squad. 

The top two teams in Group A will move on to the FIBA Asia Cup in August.

This time around, he’ll be in charge of a young core mostly composed of his Ateneo Blue Eagles players, so the familiarity is already there. 

However, Baldwin will also be missing the services of some key players like Matt Nieto and Dave Ildefonso, who are both out due to injury. Sayang naman!

While our boy Kai Sotto is also in town, he’s status for the FIBA tourney remains uncertain as of this writing. 

READ: Kaiju brings his skills to Australia and plays for the Adelaide 36ers

But don’t fret, because we have our newly-naturalized center Angelo Kouame who’s set to make his Gilas debut. 

READ: Angelo Kouame is officially a naturalized Pinoy

Are you excited to see coach Tab Baldwin calling the shots once again for our national team? 

What do you think of Gilas’ chances in this window?