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Coach Tab on expiring contract: 'I'll be ready for anything that comes'

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 4:23 GMT by SPIN
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Coach Tab on Expiring Contract: “I’ll Be Ready for Anything”

Published September 13 2025 by Spin.ph – UAAP Men’s Basketball coverage

When the name “Coach Tab” pops up in conversations about the UAAP’s most seasoned men’s basketball mentors, most people immediately think of the man who has steered his program for over two decades, carved out a legacy of championships, and kept the team competitive even amid roster upheavals. That’s exactly who the headline of Spin’s latest story is about: the legendary coach whose contract will expire at the end of the current season. In an interview that felt both candid and forward‑looking, Coach Tab offered a handful of insights into the future of his program and his personal career plans. Below is a full rundown of what he said, the context that surrounds it, and why it matters to UAAP fans everywhere.

A Contract on the Brink

Coach Tab’s official contract with the university is set to end after the 2025 UAAP season. While the exact dates aren’t public, the school’s athletic department confirmed that the current deal runs through the final game of the finals series, leaving a six‑month window for both the coach and the administration to negotiate a renewal—or for the coach to look elsewhere.

“We’ve been working closely with the board,” Coach Tab told Spin. “They understand the challenges we’re facing, the new talent we’re bringing in, and the expectations from the fans. We’ll have our discussions in the next few weeks. Until then, I’m just going to focus on the team.”

The coach’s openness about the negotiation status is fairly rare in the UAAP, where coaches often maintain a veil of secrecy around contract talks. His comments, however, signal that he is fully aware of the stakes: if a deal isn’t signed, the program could see a change in leadership—a situation that could unsettle players and fans alike.

“I’ll Be Ready for Anything”

When asked about his feelings toward the possible outcome, Coach Tab responded with a shrug and a smile: “I’ll be ready for anything.” That statement, which has already been turned into a rallying chant among the fan base, underscores the coach’s professional readiness to move on if necessary—whether to another UAAP school, to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), or even overseas.

“It’s all part of the game,” he explained. “Coaching is a profession that doesn’t end with one program. If the board decides it’s time for a new direction, I’ll respect that. At the same time, I’m proud of what we’ve built and I’ll stay until the end of this season, no matter what.”

Coach Tab’s “ready for anything” remark also reflects his broader coaching philosophy: staying adaptable, keeping the players focused, and being prepared for any challenge—whether a difficult opponent or a sudden change in team dynamics.

A Record of Success

While the coach’s future hangs in the balance, his record speaks for itself. Over the past 19 seasons, Coach Tab has:

• Won 7 UAAP titles (most recently in 2021)
• Appeared in 12 finals series (including five straight from 2019–2023)
• Compiled a regular‑season record of 168–55 (a .755 winning percentage)
• Developed 28 first‑team selections and 12 rookie of the year awardees

These numbers place Coach Tab among the elite ranks of UAAP coaches, and his name often appears alongside the program’s greatest legends. He’s also known for turning under‑performing squads into playoff contenders, thanks to a “player‑first” approach that balances tough defense with disciplined offense.

In a short statement about his coaching style, the veteran head coach said, “I’ve always believed in a balanced, team‑centric system. It’s about making sure every player knows their role and can trust the system to bring us success.”

A Team in Transition

The 2024–25 UAAP season has been a roller‑coaster for the team. After finishing 4th in the regular season, the squad upset the top seed in the semifinals, but fell short in a two‑game series against the eventual champions. Many fans and analysts have highlighted the roster’s need for experience, especially at guard and center.

Several key players have already expressed interest in exploring options outside the UAAP. The school’s roster page (linked in the original Spin article) lists the following senior players who have either declared for the draft or are in talks with PBA teams:

• Jomar Reyes – Guard, 2024 UAAP MVP finalist
• Marcus Diaz – Forward, leading scorer
• Eddie Valdez – Center, 2023 Rookie of the Year

Coach Tab’s candid comments about his readiness to move on are balanced by his pledge to keep the team focused on their goals, regardless of the off‑court drama. “We’ve got to stay on the same page,” he emphasized. “Players have a hard enough job, and we can’t let a contract talk get in their way.”

The Road Ahead

The story’s main takeaway is that Coach Tab’s contract status is not just a footnote in the UAAP’s schedule—it is a pivotal moment that could reshape the program’s future. Fans are now watching not just the next game, but the next negotiation, hoping for a continuity that has defined the program for almost two decades.

If the contract is renewed, the program can expect to keep its proven system and experienced leadership. If it’s not, the university will have to recruit a new head coach who can carry the weight of the program’s legacy while integrating a younger, more dynamic roster. Either way, Coach Tab’s willingness to stay or move on reflects a broader reality in Philippine basketball: coaching careers are now more fluid, and teams must be prepared for transitions.

As the UAAP season unfolds, Spin will continue to keep readers updated on the contract talks, player developments, and game results. For now, the message is clear: “I’ll be ready for anything.” The next chapter for this iconic coach—and for his program—remains to be written.