Tab Baldwin had been the head coach of the Lebanese national basketball team back in 2010. Back then, the world traveler had been living there for some time, so he can attest to how tough it is living in the Middle Eastern country.
“It’s usually traffic,” admitted Baldwin. “We think we understand traffic here but its a different kind over there. It can really be frustrating.
“Lebanon is a different place. I lived there for awhile and coached there.”
Baldwin, who has been in the global basketball circuit since 1996, shared these sentiments about Lebanon when he was asked about his former team Gilas Pilipinas, who is currently in Beirut for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup.
“It’s tough conditions to play in Beirut,” continued the 59-year-old.
“It’s not an easy place to play and we’re a long way from home.”
But aside from the tough conditions, the Nationals will surely also be in for tough challenges ahead in the Asian meet. Baldwin, however, is hopeful that Gilas will still be able to play well, despite obstacles that might be in their way.
“I’m just like everybody else. I’m hopeful that they’re gonna be really well over there,” the American coach said. “I don’t really know what the competition is exactly. They’re gonna face some tough teams there.
“But like everybody else, I hope we do well.”
