Baldwin starts Ateneo program, but as what?

MANILA, Philippines - Tab Baldwin has started laying the groundwork for the Ateneo Blue Eagles cage program although he has yet to be given an official title in the team.

“We’re under way. We’re planning, we’re preparing and I’m thrilled,” said Baldwin.

“What name that I’m gonna have in terms of title is pretty irrelevant for me. I know what my job would be. I know I would be there to help young men achieve their aspiration. That’s what I’m gonna do in whatever capacity they call it in the end,” he added.

The Ateneo management has tapped Baldwin to run their basketball program following the exit of coach Bo Perasol.

The Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines, however, has invoked a court ruling that supposedly bars Baldwin as head coach of the team.

Baldwin said he’s excited to work with the Blue Eagles in whatever title.

“The best people to talk on that are the management people. But being a good employee, I will do what I’m told to do. I’m excited about the challenge,” he said.

“It’s a new venture for me since I’ve never done college coaching since my college coaching job in the (United) States in 1988,” added Baldwin who used to call the shots at Auburn Montgomery and Central Florida.

Would there be any conflict with his Ateneo stint to that of his duties as head coach of Gilas Pilipinas?

“There won’t be any conflict. Gilas takes precedence all the time. I won’t divide my time. Time with Gilas will be given to Gilas. Another time will be given to Ateneo,” Baldwin said.