Gavina Ushers in New Era for UE Basketball with a Gritty First Win
Photo Sources: PBA Images, Vyn Radovan
When Chris Gavina took over as head coach of the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, he knew he was stepping into a program in need of a new direction. The once-proud powerhouse of UAAP basketball had struggled in recent years, searching for an identity that could restore its competitive edge.
Gavina, who has built a reputation as a demanding yet player-focused mentor, wasted no time implementing his philosophy. His coaching career spans the PBA and international stints in Taiwan, but the challenge at UE is different – it’s about building a culture from the ground up.
This week, following just their 18th practice together, the Red Warriors took a small but meaningful step in that process, securing a hard-fought two-point win over Arellano University in their first tune-up game under Gavina.
“Today’s tune-up game against Arellano was a great test for us, and I’m proud of how our guys competed and showed our composure and grit,” Gavina told me in an exclusive interview. “After just 18 practices together, I’m optimistic about what this game revealed – not only about our potential but also about the areas we need to sharpen as a team.”
The victory, though just a preseason game, highlighted the qualities Gavina hopes to instill in his players: discipline, resilience, and an ability to execute under pressure.
One player who exemplified that was John Abate. The versatile guard stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. More importantly, he embodied the system Gavina is trying to establish.
“Overall, I would say I did between average and good,” Abate said. “Definitely a style of play we can all excel at.”
That style is still a work in progress. Gavina understands that turning a team around takes more than a few games; it requires a shift in mindset, work ethic, and expectations. In his short time at UE, he has already begun setting those standards.
His approach is direct: no shortcuts, no entitlement – just accountability and hard work. Every practice is designed to push his players to their limits, ensuring that when the UAAP season begins, they will be ready for the grind.
“This was an important step in our journey, and we’ll continue to build on this performance as we prepare for the challenges ahead,” Gavina said.
The road ahead won’t be easy, but for the first time in a long time, UE has something to believe in. With Gavina at the helm, the Red Warriors are no longer just searching for an identity – they’re building one.
