Lessons on maturity for Mr. Baldwin
Coach Tab Baldwin, prepared for the worst, will likely be fined or suspended by the PBA after the visiting project director of Gilas national basketball program criticized what he called inferior coaching and conduct of the local pro league.
Baldwin’s scathing remarks centered on a harmful phrase: “technical immaturity” of Filipino pro league coaches.
As a result, Baldwin got slurred back by offended parties.
————————-The aggrieved coaches predictably ganged up on Baldwin.
A random poll of street fans tend to show many Filipino spectators also saw a good intention behind Baldwin’s sizzling critique.
Baldwin himself apologized and clarified his comments had been taken out of context.
————————-Anyway, through these fiery comments, there came one sobering advice:
“We must always be humble in how we spread our message.”
That’s from the accomplished multititled coach Norman Black, a former NBA player who has carved out his own legacy in Philippine basketball.
Black, coach of the mighty Meralco Bolts in the PBA, tried to lend nuggets of humility and wisdom in an exclusive talk with Spin.ph editor/CEO Dodo Catacutan:
————————-“Filipinos will always recognize and respect you if you are good at your job,” Black said. “At the same time, they will not tolerate or appreciate it if you are throwing your talent in their faces in a demeaning way.”
Great accurate shot. Here’s more: “We shall help uplift the coaching community here in our country.”
“It’s important that persons expressing their opinion should be respectful how they relay the message.”
“For others to remain open-minded [to what we say], we must be humble.”
Black praised Baldwin as a very good coach, adding he has an avenue to talk to the decision makers directly.
“That probably would have and should have been a better venue for him to express his sentiments,” Black suggested in closing.
Al Panlilio, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), said he was laying his hands off the issue.
No word from SBP chair emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan, godfather of the Gilas national program who originally hired Baldwin.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, ever on his toes, should have the last say. INQ
