Former Rain or Shine head coach Chris Gavina during the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup against Magnolia, July 20, 2022 at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA Images/File
MANILA – The University of the East (UE) Red Warriors are gearing up for a revamp in UAAP Season 88, with newly-appointed head coach Chris Gavina optimistic of their chances to finally break their Final 4 drought.
After losing to the Adamson Soaring Falcons in the playoff for the last Final 4 spot in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament, the Red Warriors aim to establish a winning culture. This, according to Gavina, who replaced Jack Santiago as UE's head coach.
In One PH's Power and Play with Noli Eala, Gavina stressed his priority as he assumed his position as head coach.
"What I can infuse in the program: I think number 1 is really helping them [UE Red Warriors] establish a winning mindset, changing their belief systems, and use their failure from last year, their struggle as fuel for their motivation to get to that next level," he said.
With the team's transition to a new coach after Santiago's departure last January 2025, Gavina is confident that his team is finding ways to win, recalling their recent tuneup with the Arellano Chiefs.
"This is gonna be a historical moment not only for me but for the team to take on that challenge for the UE community," he said.
READ: University of the East, head coach Jack Santiago part ways
Prior to taking over the UE position, Gavina had coaching experiences with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters from 2018 to 2022 and the Taichung Suns from 2022 to 2023. He believes his experience in the pros has prepared him to take on the challenge of leading a collegiate basketball team.
Gavina cited his concern in the main challenges that may come with introducing a new perspective for the team, saying: "Changing their [UE Red Warriors'] mindset and [their] ability to embrace challenges as they went through their rough patches last year and throughout the past few years and the ability to deal with that level of adversity."
Also, with the departure of key players Jack Cruz-Demonth, Ethan Galang, and Gjerald Wilson, Red Warriors is experiencing a roster shift. However, Gavina sees promise in core players of the team like John Abate, Christopher Lingolingo, and Precious Momowei.
"They have great core players John Abate, Lingolingo, [Rainer] Maga…and obviously they're anchored by a great foreign student athlete [in Momowei]," said Gavina.
Beyond individual talent, Gavina is prioritizing discipline, accountability, and a strong commitment to success.
"Talent is big, but for me, attitude is what defines a winning player," he stressed.
The Red Warriors last reached the Final Four in 2009 as their last UAAP championship dates back to Season 48 (1986). Gavina acknowledges the weight of history but embraces the challenge of revamping UE's prime days.