Tab Baldwin sees Ateneo's Final Four exit as growth opportunity

Ateneo Blue Eagles coach Tab Baldwin views their Final Four exit from the UAAP not as a failure, but as a "weird, painful" and growth opportunity, especially after their six-year championship streak ended.

The Blue Eagles were dethroned by the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball Final Four with a 57-46 loss, marking the first time under coach Tab Baldwin they failed to reach the finals since 2016.

Baldwin acknowledged the difficulty of sustaining a dynasty with a revamped roster, the departure of key players, and challenges posed by the pandemic.

Ateneo endured its first three-game losing streak in the Baldwin era and had to survive a knockout game to secure the last semis ticket after a season of battles.

He expressed pride in the team's fight throughout the season, noting that only Chris Koon cracked double digits in scoring in the Final Four ouster despite nursing a fractured foot.