RAIN or Shine is leaving no stones unturned this offseason as it beefed up its coaching staff with the signing of Chris Gavina.
Head coach Caloy Garcia confirmed the development as the former Kia coach joins the Elasto Painters for their buildup for the 2019 PBA season.
"Chris will be a good fit with the team. He really works hard, knows the game, and he brings a lot to the table. We'll be happy to be working with him," said Garcia in a text message to Spin.ph.
Gavina, 39, has been the lead assistant for the Kia franchise for absentee head coach Manny Pacquiao for the better part of two years, leading the squad to its only playoff appearance in the 2016 Governors' Cup before being given the reins early this season.
However, he left the post two games into the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup, leaving the then-Kia Picanto to Ricky Dandan.
Gavina has since taken his act to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) where he coached Valenzuela Classic before taking a "leave of absence" last October.
He has already met with a handful of Rain or Shine coaches led by Garcia after being a curious observer during the Team Pilipinas practices on Wednesday and will be formally introduced to the staff on Monday.
Gavina will join deputies Mike Buendia, Jolly Escobar, Ricky Umayam, and Matt Makalintal in the Elasto Painters bench.
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