NZL - Baldwin resigns as New Zealand coach

SAITAMA (FIBA World Championship) - Just minutes after New Zealand lost to Argentina 79-62 and bowed out of the 2006 FIBA World Championship, Tab Baldwin annouced his resignation as New Zealand national team coach after six years at the helm of the Tall Blacks.

"I think it was time," said the 48-year-old American, who led New Zealand to the brightest moment in their basketball history with their appearance in the semi-finals of the 2002 FIBA World Championship.

"I think the best decision now for the Tall Blacks is that someone will replace me. If I've done a good job it was only because of these guys. I can only say I enjoyed every second of it and I was very blessed."

Baldwin, who has lived in New Zealand for 17 years, said the decision was not a snap one.

"I've taken advice with my family and with one of my best friends. I wasn't really prepared to step across that line until this tournament was over, but primarily the decision has been made," he said.

The New Zealand Basketball Federation did not announce a replacement for Baldwin, who coached New Zealand to two FIBA World Championships and the 2004 Olympic Games.

But when asked what he thought about assistant coach Nenad Vucinic taking over, Baldwin said: "I think Nenad is an obvious choice of mine. He understands the system and players respect and trust him. He's a great coach."

Baldwin added: "He has been more than just an assistant coach. At times it felt like we are co-coaches. He's a guy that is comfortable doing his job in the background. I can tell you that he deserves a lot of credit for the good performances of the Tall Blacks in the last few years."

Baldwin meanwhile is currently on the lookout for a job after he wasn't re-signed at Turkish club Banvitspor, whom he led to the semi-finals of the Turkish championship last season.

New Zealand power forward Pero Cameron praised Baldwin, who he's known for the last 17 years.

"I can't say enough about him. It's a big loss not just for Tall Blacks, but across the whole country of New Zealand. I've had some great times with the guy on and off the court," said Cameron, who played for Baldwin in Turkey.

"The country of New Zealand will miss a lot of his expertise on the game and the person he is. He coached me for a long time and challenged me personally every day. I think myself I'm gonna miss him a lot"

By David Hein and Yarone Arbel, FIBA