Approaching the final year of his contract at Ateneo de Manila University, head coach Tab Baldwin revealed that talks for a contract extension have been “positive” as the Blue Eagles prepare for the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament, which tips off on Saturday, September 20, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Since taking over the program in 2016, Baldwin has established himself as one of the league’s greatest tacticians. He has guided Ateneo to four championships and two runner-up finishes over eight seasons.
Beyond his contributions to the Blue Eagles, Baldwin’s impact on Philippine basketball through his work with Gilas Pilipinas Men further underscores his value.
It is therefore no surprise that discussions of a potential contract extension are moving forward positively, as Baldwin and the Blue Eagles continue to share the same vision: returning Ateneo to the summit of UAAP men’s basketball.
“Yeah, I mean, the talks were positive. And I’m really appreciative of the talks,” Baldwin told members of the press during the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Basketball Press Conference on Monday afternoon at Gloria Maris Shark’s Fin Restaurant in San Juan.
Barring any unexpected changes, the Kiwi coach expects a favorable outcome, intending to remain with the Blue Eagles for as long as possible to further elevate both Ateneo and Philippine basketball.
“I expect a positive outcome and I hope they do too. And we’ll see where it lands,” Baldwin added.
Despite the possibility of a contract extension, Baldwin assured Ateneo fans that his focus remains the same: preparing the Blue Eagles to bounce back from a last-place finish and missing the Final Four last season.
With the one-and-done trio of Kymani Ladi, Dom Escobar, and Jaden Lazo — alongside the continued emergence of Jared Bahay — the 67-year-old coach anticipates a hungrier Ateneo squad eager to prove that the Blue Eagles are a dark horse contender alongside perennial powerhouses UP Fighting Maroons, DLSU Green Archers, and UST Growling Tigers.
“I don’t think there’s any point in being confident or unconfident. We have a lot of players who are unproven at the UAAP level, but there’s also a lot of talent. It will be a quick adaptation to league competition. Hopefully, we’ll get some wins on the board early and see where we go,” the former Gilas head coach shared.
“Yes. I focus on every game exactly as I have for decades. Each game is the most important game in the world to me. I coach to win, and I coach to help our players succeed.”
#WATCH: Tab Baldwin on contract extension talks: “Talks have been positive” 🦅🏀
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/r9WOXcagQT
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 15, 2025
