Tab Baldwin eyes new talents to fill three crucial spots

By NIKOLE JAVIER

Veteran coach Tab Baldwin eyes new talents to bolster the Ateneo lineup in 2023.

The four-time UAAP champion tactician has sent off his three graduating players in Finals MVP Ange Kouame, Mythical Five member Dave Ildefonso and team captain BJ Andrade in good graces.

But the spots have to be filled in sooner than later as Ateneo hopes to defend the title come the next season.

The 64-year-old Baldwin is now looking at their reserve as well as the aspiring Blue Eagles to occupy the crucial spots that the trio has vacated.

“Many of them are underclassmen, they have more illegibility. We have a lot of recruits coming in [2023]. Our program, we don’t play around [with] the truth. And the truth is, if you wanna be a Blue Eagle next year, you have to fight for your spot. But I know these guys and they are fighters. So, I don’t know. Future’s always uncertain,” said Baldwin.

In the last five years, Baldwin has steered Ateneo to four titles and it comes as no surprise that his team has become a lot more desirable to young talents.

With a fruitful 2022 that saw two seasons come down in history, Baldwin is holding on to the belief that the new year will be no different from their recent success, if not better.

“We’re just starting to get back to normal. We’re just starting to remember that this is what it used to be like,” he added.