Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Tab Baldwin is no stranger to winning a championship. In fact, he has titles across different leagues and international tournaments, yet his newest one is “probably” his favorite.
When Ateneo topped the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament after overthrowing La Salle, 88-86, in Game 3 of the Finals, Baldwin knew he reached a milestone that would be forever in his memory.
“It was a great season, I’ve had a bunch of them, and this one goes down as one of the best and probably the best,” said Baldwin Saturday before the Blue Eagles’ bonfire celebration at Ateneo.
“We worked together on being basketball players, a better coaching staff, we studied together, and we learned together.”
Ateneo’s Season 80 title was the first for Baldwin, a three-time champion in Australia’s National Basketball League, in the Philippine collegiate scene.
The 59-year-old Baldwin also won a gold medal with New Zealand in the Fiba Oceania Championship and another one with Lebanon in the Fiba Asia Stankovic Cup.
Baldwin said their title revenge over La Salle was the result of his players and coaches’ commitment to one goal and sacrificing for a common cause.
“This was the product of hard work, committing themselves to each other, and committing to their own aspirations and dreams,” said Baldwin, whose Blue Eagles lost to the Green Archers in the Season 79 Finals.
“Congratulations to these guys and thank you to each and every one of them. Every one of these guys had a hand on this championship and every one deserves the applause.”