UAAP: Running as Head Coach, Chris Gavina Imagine ‘Same Level of Passion, Wish’ for UST Tigers

Rain or Shine assistant coach Chris Gavina confirmed on Friday that he is running for the coaching position on the Santo Tomas University men’s basketball team, joining a roster made up mostly of alumni.

Gavina said he anticipates the team will remain passionate about bringing glory to the university despite the challenges they currently face with the departure of five players and three coaches, including chief strategist Aldin Ayo.

“I can only evaluate what I saw them accomplish last year,” Gavina told the Manila Bulletin.

“The appearance of Mark Nonoy and (Rhenz) Abando was obviously pivotal in the final UST race, and while key elements of that team may have left, the remaining core of players still retain that sense of accomplishment from last year. “.

READ: Knights welcome 3 ex-Tigers

Abando was one of five players to leave the team in the wake of the Sorsogon training bubble controversy, along with CJ Cansino, Brent Paraíso, Ira Bataller and Jun Asunción.

Ayo submitted his resignation days before the UAAP indefinitely banned him for being responsible for the training bubble that allegedly defied government protocols.

“From the way these players have carried themselves with tremendous strength, determination and persevering spirit, it would be absurd for anyone, including myself, to imagine anything other than the same level of desire and passion from the team to represent the UST of the best way his abilities given by God ”, also said the 41-year-old coach of the Bacoor Strikers in the MPBL.

Gavina’s name floated on the latest coaching candidate list alongside Potit De Vera, a UST alumnus who has been coaching the Philippine Technical Institute from 2012 until its dissolution last May due to the pandemic.

The first candidates are PBA champion coach Sio Tanquingcen, former UST junior mentor Chris Cantonjos, Universidad del Este assistant coach Estong Ballesteros, former UAAP basketball commissioner Ed Cordero and Blackwater assistant coach. Elite Gilbert Lao.