University of the East (UE) officially announced former Taichung Suns mentor Chris Gavina as its new head coach Thursday afternoon.

Gavina will be the new mentor of the Red Warriors as he takes over from head coach Jack Santiago after they missed the Final Four in Season 87 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament with a 6-8 win-loss record.

UE president Zosimo Battad, vice chairman David Chua, and senior vice president Florence Siy were also present during the contract signing at the UE campus in Recto.

“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,” Battad said.

Gavina’s inclusion is expected to breathe new life to UE as he brings with him his vast coaching experience.

The 46-year-old tactician led the Suns to the semifinal of the T1 League in Taiwan in 2023 before clinching The Asian Tournament title in 2024 with the Taiwan Mustangs, which had the likes of National Basketball Association stars DeMarcus Cousins and Dwight Howard.

Gavina was also a head coach in the Philippine Basketball Association as he called the shots for Mahindra and Rain or Shine.

The Filipino-American mentor was also named Coach of the Year in the 2024 U19 National Basketball Training Center National Finals Division 1 Tournament as he led Fil-Nation Select to the title with a 79-71 win over Adamson University.

Gavina is ecstatic about taking the Red Warriors coaching job as he draws inspiration from legendary mentor Baby Dalupan.

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

Red Warriors John Abate, Wello Lingolingo, and Precious Momoweiare expected to lead the charge for UE for UAAP Season 88.