CHICAGO— In a bit of sad irony, the University of the East Red Warriors haven’t been doing much warring lately.
After a catastrophic 0-14 finish in last year’s UAAP Season 88, UE has quickly dug an 0-2 hole in the early stages of this ongoing Season 89.
They’re not just a bad team. They’re hideous.
In a span of three days beginning last September 16, UE lost to Ateneo by 27 points (101-74) and to National University by 20 (76-56).
BREAKING BAD.
And that’s because they shot just a combined 35.1 percent from the field (45- of-128) and an anemic 19.4 percent from three (7-of-36) in those two defeats.
They've also missed 22 of 55 free throws and got outrebounded, 106-69, while producing just 20 assists against 30 turnovers.
It’s more than a pair of silly mismatches. It’s a bloody, brutal double murder.
How much more embarrassment can the once-proud Recto program endure?
Apparently, not for long.
According to university sources, coach Chris Gavina could be relieved of his duties as soon as this Saturday, September 25, if the Red Warriors lose to FEU.
That’s because, the source added, Gavina’s one-year contract extension supposedly has a clause that allows for early termination in the event of a horrendous start to this season.
BIBLICAL DROUGHT.
If Gavina is indeed given the pink slip, Allan Caidic, a UE legend, is a rumored replacement.
I reached out to Gavina requesting an interview but he hasn’t responded.
Gavina, 47, is an extremely qualified bench boss with previous head-coaching stints in the PBA (Rain or Shine) and in the Taiwan league (Taichung).
This is not entirely his mess.
The school and main sponsor Tanduay haven’t provided enough logistics to recruit top talents to replenish the void left by Precious Momowei and Nico Mulintapang.
That’s largely why the Red Warriors haven’t been to the Final Four since 2009 and are currently piecing together another extended losing streak.
And coach Gavina just happens to be the convenient fall guy.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
