Chris Gavina is new UE Red Warriors head coach

Metro Manila, Philippines - Chris Gavina is the new head coach of the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors in the UAAP, the school announced on Thursday, Feb. 13.

“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.

The 46-year-old previously held the head coaching position for Rain or Shine and Mahindra in the PBA, before guiding the Taiwan Mustangs in The Asian Tournament and the Taichung Suns to the T1 League in Taiwan.

Gavina was Best Coach at the 2024 U19 NBTC National Finals Division 1 Tournament.

“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.

The Red Warriors had the chance to reach the Final Four in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament with a 6-8 win-loss slate, but suffered a devastating loss to the Adamson University Soaring Falcons in knockout match.

With Gavina in charge, UE said it hopes to snap the 15-year Final Four drought in Season 88 later this year.