Tab Baldwin optimistic on Ateneo contract extension as Blue Eagles rebuild

Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin described ongoing discussions regarding a contract extension as "positive" as he enters the final year of his current deal.

The Blue Eagles, four-time champions in five finals appearances from 2017 until 2022, absorbed 10 losses and only posted four wins in Season 87, missing the Final Four for the first time since 2013.

Baldwin is looking at their campaign as a teacher whose lessons can eventually be used to rediscover basketball glory.

He is pushing young guard Jared Bahay to become more of a floor general and a coach on the floor for the upcoming UAAP Season 88, challenging him to better integrate his scoring and leadership abilities.

Bahay averaged 10.6 points, 3.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game last season.

The team has bolstered its roster with the addition of one-and-done players Kymani Ladi, Dominic Escobar, Jaden Lazo, and new foreign student-athlete Divine Adili, though seniors Sean Quitevis and Chris Koon have departed.