Long-suffering University of the East faithful are hoping this coaching change will finally bring back the Red Warriors’ glory days in the UAAP.
UE officially named yesterday former PBA coach Christian Gavina as the new tactician of the Red Warriors beginning in the 88th cage wars this year.
“We are thrilled to welcome coach Chris Gavina to the Red Warriors family,” UE president Zosimo Battad said yesterday in rites at the UE Manila.
“His leadership, passion and experience in both local and international basketball will be instrumental in molding our new breed of champions,” he added.
Gavina, who took over from Jack Santiago, is a battle-tested strategist with extensive experience in local and international basketball and brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in player development, tactical game planning and defensive mastery.
His hiring signals UE’s commitment to regaining its place as one of the most storied teams in the league.
Also present at the event were UE officials led by Vice Chairman David Chua and Senior Vice President Florence Siy.
Gavina guided the Taiwan Mustangs in The Asian Tournament and played a pivotal role in steering the Taichung Suns to the T1 League Final Four playoffs as the first Fil-Am coach in Taiwan T1 League history.
His experience in elite-level basketball includes head coaching stints in the pro league with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Mahindra Enforcer, where he was instrumental in developing defensive systems that ranked among the best in the league.
Gavina was named Best Coach of the 2024 U19 NBTC National Finals Division 1 Tournament, a testament to his ability to nurture young talent.
“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,” Gavina said.
Gavina cannot wait to hit the ground running for the Warriors, emphasizing culture-building, defensive discipline and player development as key pillars of his coaching philosophy.
“The UE Red Warriors have a rich tradition, and I am eager to instill a culture of hard work, resilience and accountability,” he said. “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.
The Recto-based five has produced some of the country’s most celebrated cage greats, including the legendary Robert Jaworski, Allan Caidic, Jerry Codiñera and James Yap. The Warriors hold the distinction of winning seven consecutive UAAP crowns—a record that still stands today.
But they have not reached the Promised Land since 1985 and the Final Four since 2009. Gavina has his work cut out for him.
