CHRIS Gavina has been named as the new head coach of University of the East on Thursday.
The school made the official announcement and handed the reins to the Red Warriors program to the former PBA coach.
“We are thrilled to welcome coach Chris Gavina to the Red Warriors family. His leadership, passion, and experience in both local and international basketball will be instrumental in molding our new breed of champions,” said UE president Zosimo Battad in a statement.
Gavina now a seasoned mentor
Previously handling head coaching jobs in the PBA with Rain or Shine and Mahindra (now Terrafirma), Gavina last handled the Taiwan Mustangs in The Asian Tournament, as well as the Taichung Suns in the T1 League.
He was also the head coach for Fil-Nation Select in the Division 1 of the 2024 Smart-NBTC National Finals where the squad became the first international team to claim the Philippine under-19 national championship.
“I am honored to coach the UE Red Warriors, a program that has produced legends of Philippine basketball. For those who cherish basketball history, I am humbled to step into the role once held by the phenomenal coach Baby Dalupan, who led this institution to its golden era,” Gavina said.
"The UE Red Warriors have a rich tradition, and I am eager to instill a culture of hard work, resilience and accountability. My goal is to help these young men reach their fullest potential by fostering a relentless work ethic, which, when paired with that never-say-die spirit, will make us a force to reckon with."
Gavina is hopeful to end the 15-year Final Four drought for the Red Warriors behind John Abate, Wello Lingolingo, and Precious Momowei this upcoming UAAP Season 88.
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