DUE to objections raised by the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines, the Ateneo management has agreed to reconsider its decision of naming Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin as the Blue Eagles’ new coach.
Instead, Ateneo said Baldwin will assume the position of team consultant.
The BCAP earlier took to task the Ateneo management for hiring a foreigner to coach the Blue Eagles a few days after Ateneo president Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin announced Baldwin’s appointment as Blue Eagles’ coach.
Ateneo has yet to decide whether to hire another coach from outside the school to replace Baldwin, or name one from among its present roster of assistant coaches, or re-hire coach Baldwin to the post once questions on his appointment are clarified.
For now, assistant coaches Sandy Arespacochaga and Yuri Escueta will momentarily call the shots for the team.
“We’re still having a dialogue with the BCAP if Baldwin can coach. For now, he is a consultant,” said Ricky Palou, Ateneo’s board representative to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
A recent court ruling bars foreign coaches from handling a position, which a local coach is equally capable of performing.
The BCAP is headed by former coach Alfrancis Chua.
Ateneo team manager Epok Quimpo said they will comply with the law in Baldwin’s case.