This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles and four-time UAAP champion coach Tab Baldwin close a murky chapter behind after securing a three-year contract extension
MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin basked in a small celebration after securing a three-year contract extension, assuring him of a job through 2028.
The four-time UAAP champion and the university mutually agreed on a deal on Saturday, September 20, as the two sides ended what the veteran coach called a “period of uncertainty.”
“It’s not fun to be uncertain about your future, but we put all that to bed today,” Baldwin said after Ateneo’s 86-83 overtime win against FEU.
“It’s sort of a mini celebration for all of us to be validated with the offer of a job. As a coach, you’re always grateful when you get a job offer,” he added. “I was very excited to sit down and finalize this deal.”
Baldwin. on the helm since 2016, has recently met tough times with the once-mighty program.
The Blue Eagles finished dead last in Season 87 with a 4-10 record and lost key players.
On top of that, Baldwin, whose contract was supposed to end after Season 88, admitted that he tested the waters, which he called “distractions.”
Nevertheless, Jared Bahay, viewed as Ateneo’s long-term leader, was complemented by three one-and-done players who already made a dent in terms of success.
Led by Kymani Ladi’s 26 points and 9 rebounds and supplemented by Dom Escobar’s 16 markers and 7 boards, Ateneo gained valuable chemistry with the three having at least 13 games to go.
Baldwin, meanwhile, gets to continue coaching in an environment he’s comfortable with.
“We truly do believe, and I don’t know how you can make an emphasis on the word truly, but we truly do believe in the concept of a student-athlete at Ateneo,” he said. “I’m very privileged, very honored, and when I say my prayers tonight, I will thank God.”
“Because I also know that over the last 10 years I’ve grown as a person, and now the opportunity to do the work that really we should be doing at our university is not just developing players but developing people.” – Rappler.com
