CHICAGO - Despite his enormous success at Ateneo, a glorious run that includes four championships in nine years, Tab Baldwin is a lame duck coach with an expiring contract entering the upcoming Season 88 of the UAAP.
His marching orders over the next few months are clear: Win or go pack your bags.
The fact that he will be dismissed if he can't bring home the bacon this year is one of the worst-kept secrets in the league.
If Ateneo indeed chooses to let his contract expire, the two-time UAAP Men's Basketball Coach of the Year (2019, 2022) won't have to toe the unemployment line.
LAST HURRAH: Tab Baldwin ready to leave Ateneo by end of season
Although no formal talks have occurred to avoid tampering and poaching issues, multiple sources told me that once his contractual cord is completely severed at Katipunan, Baldwin will immediately get an offer to become the head of basketball operations for Strong Group Athletics (SGA).
Owned by billionaire Frank Lao, SGA, which also owns the Farm Fresh Foxies and the Zus Coffee Thunderbelles in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), has a plan in place to expand its horizons and compete in more international tournaments beyond Dubai and the Jones Cup.
PRESEASON WORK
Baldwin is currently in Madrid with the Blue Eagles and cannot be reached for comment. But he had addressed his current and future employment status in a prior interview.
"I have a job at Ateneo and the goal remains the same. which is to win a championship."
A consummate pro who had previously coached the national teams of New Zealand, Lebanon and Jordan, Baldwin understands the nature of the business and the school's desire to potentially move in a different direction.
But it's hard to imagine not feeling any slight over the lack of a vote of confidence to a four-time champion coach. Whether it's under-appreciation or blatant disrespect, take your pick.
Baldwin's body of work had earned him a longer leash. And while it's convenient to mention the dismal 4-10 finish in Season 87, the fact that it was an injury-ravaged, manpower-depleted campaign should also be highlighted.
DEATH, TAXES AND COACHES GETTING FIRED.
Removing Baldwin from Ateneo is like removing burgers from the McDonald's menu. But coaches are hired to get fired, it's a relationship that, by design, lacks intended permanence.
While he will certainly draw interest from rival UAAP schools, Baldwin isn't so inclined to start over, I am told. And that makes SGA a seamless transition from the grunt work of running a high-profile, high-expectation collegiate program.
Still, it's unwise to count coach Tab out just yet.
Although it is a steep mountain to climb, the Blue Eagles do have a puncher's chance to conquer Season 88 with the addition of 6-foot-8 wing Kymani Ladi and 6-foot-10 foreign student athlete Divine Adili.
The continuing maturation of point guard Jared Bahay will also be a critical determiner of how Ateneo will fare against a talent-laden field.
However, if there's somebody who can pull off the improbable against a stacked UP and La Salle rosters, it's Baldwin.
Which means, SGA's offer may have to wait until Tab's amazing ride finally runs its course.
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