NEW University of the East coach Chris Gavina is getting involved in local collegiate basketball for the first time in his career.
Gavina’s first involvement outside of professional basketball came last year when he coached for the first time in the junior level as he led the sweep by the visiting teams in the 2024 Smart-NBTC National Finals.
Back then, Andy Gemao and Fil-Am Nation Select USA got Gavina to coach for them as they beat reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines titlist Adamson, 79-71, for the Division 1 crown.
Gavina said he was about to give up from coaching a college team, when UE officials decided to bring him in.
“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,” said Gavina on his Facebook post after UE signed him on Thursday.
The 46-year-old Gavina was assistant coach of Rain or Shine in the PBA in 2022, before accepting a coaching job with the Taichung Suns in Taiwan from 2022 to 2023.
Gavina is taking the reins from Jack Santiago, who was around for three seasons, with the Warriors almost making it to the Final Four in Season 86.
UE officials said they are counting on his extensive experience in both local and international basketball as he brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in player development, tactical game planning and defensive mastery.
“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.