Chris Gavina tasks to handle the UE Red Warriors

The University of the East (UE) has appointed Chris Gavina as the new head coach of their men’s basketball squad in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

UE announced the development on Thursday, February 13.

Gavina will take over the reins from Jack Santiago, who has been calling the shots for the Red Warriors in the past four seasons.

“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,” UE President Zosimo Battad said at the signing held in UE Manila.

UE officials led by Vice Chairman David Chua and Senior Vice President Florence Siy were also present during the signing of the 46-year-old mentor.

“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,” shared Gavina, who edged Gilas Pilipinas Boys head coach Josh Reyes for the role.

Gavina’s coaching career in the Philippines began in 2016 when he was given the task of being the lead assistant for the Mahindra Enforcer, which later on became Kia Picanto and is now known as the Terrafirma Dyip.

In 2018, Rain or Shine got the services of Gavina to be their assistant coach, while he also handled the Valenzuela Classic, and later on, the Bacoor Strikers.

Gavina was promoted to be the head coach of the Elasto Painters in 2021, but returned to being an assistant in 2022.

After his PBA stint, he went abroad to coach the Taichung Suns in Taiwan’s T1 League from 2022-23. Their team finished with an 8-22 record, and placed fifth in the six-team league. He also handled the Taiwan Mustang in the Asian Tournament.

Besides his coaching resume here and overseas, Gavina also had a strong connection with the Fil-Am Nation Select, and his long-term development plan for the UE’s basketball program were key factors on why he was selected to lead the Red Warriors, whose last UAAP finals appearance was still in 2009, and the last championship was in 1985. 

“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,” added Gavina.

Some of the deputies already tapped by the school and Gavina are Rob Labagala and Paolo Hubalde.

On his Facebook account, Gavina shared how excited and thankful he is for the blessing that he received: “What is delayed, is not denied pretty much sums up my journey towards becoming the new head coach of the University of the East Men's basketball team. First and foremost I thank God for the prayers answered on this opportunity and I'm thankful for my rock, who if it wasn't for her love, support and insistence on staying the course, I may have given up on trying to pursue this opportunity a while ago, and to the panel of interviewers who really exercised their due diligence in making sure they took their time and properly chose who they felt was the best candidate to lead their program. I am extremely humbled and honored for this prestigious appointment and I am looking forward to building a culture based on discipline, courage, competitiveness, attitude, respect, and relentless effort. Go Fight, Red and White UE.”