The truth about Tab

THE millions of Filipino hoops fans are feeling like ghosted lovers right now. Imagine having the best relationship of your life, suddenly ending with just one private message — from your significant other's boss. Oh, and your break-up was an afterthought. The message was actually about announcing your replacement.

This is how helpless hoops fans are. When the SBP announced that Tab Baldwin had "stepped down" or "resigned" to concentrate on his Ateneo job, we felt like we were dumped in favor of a side job at a fastfood store. Giving up a national team assignment for a university job just didn't make sense.

Sure, there was Mike Kryzewski of Duke who stepped down from Team USA but continued to coach the Blue Devils. But there are many differences. Coach K announced his resignation years before, and already had a replacement (Gregg Popovich). What's more, Team USA's program is already in place with or without Coach K.

In contrast, Baldwin was also the program director for Gilas, and only took on the head coaching job supposedly on an interim basis. He ended up being the full-time coach simply because — and I'm sure most would agree — he was the best man for the job. Now, Tab has no direct involvement with Gilas. In one swift announcement, he was promptly replaced by Coach Chot Reyes.

The vision derailed

Tab had a vision of forming an independent national team built on team chemistry and familiarity. He believed that there would be enough talent from the non-PBA ranks as long as they develop a system hinged on team play and familiarity, to compete with the world's best teams.

Baldwin knew that you can't change the PBA. They refused to budge from their three-conference format. They would not lend their top players for more than a month. He was preparing for a Gilas without PBA help, something even the Americans could not do for major tournaments.

The Kiwi national has decided to take the long, hard road of developing a young, non-pro team, some in their teens and fresh out of high school, to take on grown men in the international stage. At least he was now minding his own business so the PBA won't be disturbed anymore. It's not the best scenario but it was workable. But as long as there were positive results, the insecurity mounted.

All that long-term development was scrapped in the blink of an eye, and now Gilas will wait like a dog under the table praying for leftovers, hoping that the PBA teams could lend a reluctant helping hand.

Closure

Coach Tab Baldwin has yet to be interviewed on the details of his departure. With the scorned lover analogy, it's like the Filipino fans were not given closure. There is an atmosphere of skepticism. Did Tab really step down? It's unlikely that he chose to keep us hanging this long. Was he on a gag order?

Tab is not one to be ordered around. He always stood his ground, and if he chose not to hold any press conference to clarify details on his departure, that's his prerogative. But for now, the truth about Tab is that he is gone from the national team.

He was the best thing that ever happened to the program, in my opinion. Now, the fate of the Philippines' performances in international tournaments lies in the hands of the SBP. That does not provide me with much comfort.

Trade dominoes dropping in the NBA

We may be in for a grand trade deadline. The big domino of the Brooklyn Nets with regards to James Harden is said to be falling soon, and it could likely involve their fellow Eastern power, the Philadelphia 76ers.

It could be a win-win trade if Ben Simmons gets serious with playing. The Nets need his defense and passing more than they need Harden's scoring since Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are there. On the other hand, James Harden is better, in whatever shape or form, than the ghost of Ben Simmons.

With the Portland Trailblazers already punting the season, it opens the possibility that their superstar Damian Lillard is available.

Source: TheManila Times