Will University of the East Make a Coaching Change?
The University of the East men’s basketball program could be headed for a coaching change, with sources in the college basketball community telling this writer that Chris Gavina’s future is now uncertain amidst another troubling start for the Red Warriors in UAAP season 89.
No move has yet to be officially confirmed. Messages seeking clarification from Gavina and UE team manager Jean Alabanza remained unanswered as of publication on Friday, September 25.
Allan Caidic and Paulo Hubalde have been identified by sources as possible options to take over on an interim basis. Neither has been confirmed as Gavina’s replacement.
Caidic joined the program as a consultant earlier this year, while Hubalde has served on Gavina’s coaching staff. Both are former UE standouts.
Separately, a source told ALL-STAR that assistant coach Alex Cabagnot has also left the team because of his commitments to Ilagan in the MPBL and tasks with Fil-Nation Select.
A source further indicated that more clarity could be provided before UE’s game against Far Eastern University on Saturday, September 26.
The developments come amid a difficult stretch for the Red Warriors, who opened UAAP Season 89 with consecutive losses to Ateneo, 101–74, and National University, 76–56.
UE finished Gavina’s first season in charge with a 0–14 record in Season 88. Including its two defeats this season, the team has lost all 16 UAAP games since his appointment, although Gavina missed four games last year while serving a league suspension.
The program’s overall losing streak stands at 22 games, stretching back to Season 87, including UE’s loss to Adamson in the playoff for the last Final Four berth in November 2024.
Gavina took over in February 2025 with a mandate to develop players and restore competitiveness to a program that last reached the Final Four in 2009.
He brought coaching experience from the PBA and Taiwan, along with a stated emphasis on discipline, accountability, and building a stronger team culture.
The Red Warriors entered Season 89 with a substantially changed lineup following the departures of Precious Momowei, John Abate, Wello Lingolingo, and Nico Mulingtapang.
