JOR - Baldwin takes over as Jordan's National Team head coach
AMMAN (2011 WABA Championship/2011 FIBA Asia Championship) - Thomas ‘Tab’ Baldwin, erstwhile coach of the Lebanon National Team, has crossed borders geographically to take over as the coach of Jordan's National Team for the 2011 season. Although the complete details of Baldwin’s deal are not known, it is thought that the American-New ...
AMMAN (WABA Championship/26th FIBA Asia Championship) - Thomas ‘Tab’ Baldwin, erstwhile coach of the Lebanon National Team, has crossed borders geographically to take over as the coach of Jordan's National Team for the 2011 season.
Although the complete details of Baldwin’s deal are not known, it is thought that the American-New Zealander - who took New Zealand to the semi-finals of the 2002 FIBA World Championship - will hold the reins until the 26th FIBA Asia Championship, taking place in Wuhan, China between 15 and 25 September.
Before that, Baldwin has to ensure that Jordan qualify from the WABA Championship to be held in Duhok, Iraq, from 21 to 25 June.
With Lebanon having already qualified by virtue of winning the 3rd FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup in Beirut last year, and Jordan booking an additional berth for WABA by finishing fifth, four teams will qualify from the Duhok.
Lebanon, who are likely to field a development team, two-time reigning FIBA Asia Champions Iran, Syria and Iraq are the others in the field.
Jordan were one of three FIBA Asia teams to qualify directly for the 2010 FIBA World Championship by taking the bronze medal at the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship in Tianjin two years ago, beating Lebanon in two crucial games – on the opening day in Group E and in the bronze medal play-off.
Lebanon also played in the 2010 FIBA World Championship thanks to a FIBA wildcard.
Baldwin was the coach of Lebanon then. He went on to coach the Sagesse club in the 2011 Lebanese Division A League before moving to Jordan.
The Jordanian Basketball Federation (JBF), upon signing Baldwin, has invited 21 players for the initial training camp starting 7 June.
Ayman Idais and Zaid Al Khas have announced their international retirement, but are likely to be convinced by the JBF to join the team at least in its preparations.
Jordan probable players for training camp: Wesam Al-Sous, Malek Kheshan, Mohammad Hamdan, Ali Jamal, Mousa Awadi, Issa Kamel, Islam Abbas, Mohammad Shaher, Sam Daghles, Mahmoud Abdeen, Zaid Abbas, Hani El-Faraj, Enver Soobzokov, Jamal Ma'aita, Abduallah Aboquora, Francis Irreifij, Ayman Idais, Rasheim Wright, Saif Amer, Zaid Al Khas, Camille Gargour.
FIBA Asia