Former PBA coach Chris Gavina takes over as UE Red Warriors mentor

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

New UE coach Chris Gavina says he’s ‘humbled to step into the role once held by the phenomenal coach Baby Dalupan’ as he tries to lead the Red Warriors back to their glory days in the UAAP

MANILA, Philippines – A new coach for, hopefully, a new team culture.

Chris Gavina takes over as the new men’s basketball head coach of the UE Red Warriors, the school announced on Thursday, February 13. 

Gavina will take over the coaching post left by Jack Santiago, who posted a 15-41 win-loss record during his time with the Red Warriors in the UAAP. 

“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 in a statement.

Gavina hopes he can bring back the winning culture in UE, one that the legendary coach Baby Dalupan cultivated. 

“I am honored to coach the UE Red Warriors, a program that has produced legends of Philippine basketball,” Gavina said.

“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.”

UE came close to snapping its 15-year Final Four drought last season after starting the Season 87 with a promising 5-2 win-loss record before stumbling in the second round. 

“The UE Red Warriors have a rich tradition, and I am eager to instill a culture of hard work, resilience and accountability,” said Gavina. 

“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.”  

Gavina was a former PBA coach with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Mahindra franchise, now known as the Terrafirma Dyip. 

He also called the shots for the Taichung Suns in Taiwan’s T1 league on top of coaching the Taiwan Mustangs in The Asian Tournament. 

In 2014, Gavina mentored the Fil-Nation Select squad, which won last year’s NBTC National Finals, becoming the first international team to win the tournament for top high school players. 

The Red Warriors are expected to bolster their roster with new players this season, building around the core of John Abate, Wello Lingolingo, and Precious Momowei. – Rappler.com