Gavina Expected To Be UE Red Warriors Head Coach
Photo: PBA Images
The University of the East (UE) Red Warriors are expected to appoint Chris Gavina as their new head coach, aiming to revitalize a men’s basketball program that has struggled to reach the Final Four for 16 years – the longest active drought in the UAAP. Gavina’s contract signing with the university is scheduled for Thursday, February 13, sources told ALL-STAR Magazine.
The coaching search narrowed down to Gavina and former Gilas Youth mentor Josh Reyes, with Gavina ultimately securing the position following further deliberation. His extensive coaching experience includes stints with the Mahindra Enforcer/Kia Picanto in the PBA, the Valenzuela Classic and Bacoor Strikers in the MPBL, and most recently, the Taichung Suns in Taiwan’s T1 League.
Gavina faces the formidable task of ending the Red Warriors’ prolonged absence from the Final Four, a stage they last reached in 2009. Since then, the team has seen a carousel of seven different head coaches: Lawrence Chongson, Jerry Codiñera, Boyzie Zamar, Derrick Pumaren, Joe Silva, Bong Tan, and Jack Santiago. Gavina becomes the eighth, bringing a fresh perspective and renewed hope to the program.
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In a significant boost to the team’s prospects, key player John Abate has announced his return for his final season of eligibility. Abate expressed his loyalty to UE, stating, “UE gave me an opportunity, and I’m going to stick by them because they’re loyal to me. I want to finish my career with them.” Currently training in Jacksonville, Florida, Abate plans to rejoin the team in Manila this month to prepare for the upcoming UAAP season.
Whether or not foreign student-athlete Precious Momowei returns to UE is still up in the air, although he has recently been training in the school’s facility.
As Gavina steps into his new role, he will focus on leveraging Abate’s leadership and experience to build a competitive team capable of ending the Red Warriors’ Final Four drought. The UE community eagerly anticipates a new era under Gavina’s guidance, hopeful for a resurgence in the program’s fortunes.
