TAB Baldwin knows that Ateneo would be foolish to miss out on a talent like Lebron Lopez.
But even as the 6-foot-5 high-flyer has committed to remain in Katipunan for his last two years in high school, the Blue Eagles mentor isn't putting pressure on the kid to make any rash decisions on his future.
"Lebron is a talent and everybody recognizes that. We would like him to enter our program if he finishes with the high school program. And we have spoken to him about that, but there's a lot of water yet to pass that bridge," he said.
Lopez was earlier linked to a move overseas to train with East West Private, which could have put him side by side with NBA G League-bound Kai Sotto, Fil-Hawaiian center Sage Tolentino, and Ireland-raised Cholo Anonuevo.

The 16-year-old, however, opted to stay in Ateneo, expressing his desire to get his high school diploma before pondering on his future.
Baldwin didn't deny that Lopez' decision heightened the Blue Eagles' chances of keeping the prodigy in college. But with Lopez still having two years left in his time with the Blue Eaglets, there's really no hurry to secure that commitment.
"We realize that it extends the possibility of him entering our program in the future. And yes, we will be thrilled to have him in our program based with what we are seeing right now," he said. "But there's no point in pressuring Lebron and there's plenty of time for those things to evolve. He is still a very young kid."

Baldwin pointed out that with the talent and skills that Lopez has, there's still a lot of developing that needs to happen for him to become a better player overall.
And he's just elated that he'll get the chance to see Lopez blossom still wearing the Ateneo colors.
"He has a lot of work to do," he said. "He has to do his job academically in high school and on the basketball court."
Baldwin continued: "But it's exciting to see him continue with the blue and white and we are very happy with that decision. I want him to enjoy his time and be a better basketball player, student, and person.
"God-willing, all of those things fall into place and we are able to give Lebron a positive potential future. Again, no guarantees from any side on what's going to happen in the future."
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