Gavina, Bishop reunite in Taiwan

Chris Gavina will be aided by a familiar face when he coaches in the T1 League in Taiwan.

Gavina yesterday told Daily Tribune that he will join former Meralco import Tony Bishop in powering the Taichung Suns in claiming the T1 League title.

The former Rain or Shine head coach said Bishop will surely be a force to be reckoned with for the Suns as he led the Bolts to the Philippine Governors' Cup best-of-seven title showdown against Justin Brownlee and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel early this year.

"I know Tony Bishop is coming in aside from two other world-class import. I'm actually looking forward to working with him. I remember he made such an impact last year and were at the cusp of winning the championship," said Gavina, who stepped down as Elasto Painters assistant coach following their 105-113 loss to the Kings in the Commissioner's Cup late Sunday.

"I already sent him a message. He's hungry for a championship as much as I am."

Despite coming in as replacement import for Shabazz Muhammad, Bishop was solid in his Meralco stint, posting averages of 28.4 points, 13.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists in the eliminations.

Unfortunately for them, the Bolts bowed to the Kings in a six-game duel.

Gavina said he is grateful for the Elasto Painters for allowing him to fly to Taiwan.

"Extremely grateful. To have bosses like Boss Raymond Yu and Boss Terry Que in being supportive of this humbling opportunity that's been presented to me," Gavina, who barged into the league as Kia head coach in 2016.

"For sure if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be in the current position I'm in right now. So extremely grateful for their support."

"This is something I did not expect at all. It's both scary and exciting at the same time. But I'm excited about the work that comes with it. In that respect, being part of something bigger than yourself is the reason for being a coach so that's what I am looking forward to."

Rain or Shine assistant coach Caloy Garcia believes Gavina will flourish in his new job.

"We're always happy to see coaches or players progress at a different level," Garcia, the chief deputy of Rain or Shine mentor Yeng Guiao, said.

"Knowing our bosses, they're happy given the situation for Chris. To be a head coach in a different country, it's going to be a good experience for him and basically, we're happy for coach Chris."