𝗨𝗘 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵

The 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁 (𝗨𝗘) is ushering in a new chapter for its men's collegiate basketball program, thanking Christian "Chris" Gavina for his service to the Red Warriors as he pursues new opportunities, and naming former UE standout and assistant coach Paulo Hubalde as acting head coach.

UE President and Chief Academic Officer Zosimo Battad said the university is grateful to Gavina for the commitment and professionalism he brought to the Red Warriors program.

“We sincerely thank Coach Chris for the time, energy and heart he invested in our student-athletes and in the UE basketball program. He came to UE with valuable experience from the professional and international game, and he shared that experience with our young Red Warriors. As one UE family, we respect his decision to pursue new opportunities and wish him well in his new chapter,” Battad said.

The UE president said Gavina’s decision to end his tenure does not diminish the institution's appreciation for the chapter he helped build, as UE looks ahead to the next phase of its basketball program.

"Every coach who gives his time and talent to our student-athletes leaves something valuable behind. Coach Chris has truly been a meaningful part of the Red Warrior's journey, and we will always be thankful for the memories, lessons and relationships he built with us," Battad said.

Gavina joined UE in February 2025, bringing to the Red Warriors experience from the Philippine Basketball Association, where he handled the Mahindra/Kia and Rain or Shine programs, as well as international coaching experience in Taiwan. He also guided the Fil-Am Nation Select team to its championship and had been recognized for his work in player development.

At UE, Gavina worked to instill a culture of hard work, resilience, accountability and continuous development. Upon his appointment, he underscored the honor of joining a program with a long basketball tradition and expressed his desire to help build a new generation of Red Warriors.

“I am grateful to the University of the East for the opportunity to be part of the Red Warriors family. I will always value the relationships I have nurtured with the players, coaches, staff and the entire UE community. I am proud of the work we started together and appreciate everyone who supported us along the way. I hope the Red Warriors continue to build on that foundation, stay committed to the process, and work toward greater achievements in the seasons ahead," Gavina said.

With Gavina moving on to new pursuits, UE has designated Hubalde to serve as acting head coach, ensuring continuity in the Red Warriors program.

“We thank Coach Chris for everything he has done for the program, and we will continue the work of developing our student-athletes, building character and competing with the pride and fighting spirit that define the Red Warriors,” Hubalde said.

A former Red Warrior himself, Hubalde brings deep personal connections to the university and its basketball program. After his collegiate playing years with UE, he returned to the Red Warriors as part of the coaching staff, giving him firsthand familiarity with the team's culture and traditions.

UE Physical Education Director Leo Robert Viajar said the University remains committed to strengthening the Red Warriors program and supporting its student-athletes on and off the court: “Our focus remains clear: to develop our student-athletes, strengthen the program, and uphold the tradition of UE basketball."

The Red Warriors are one of the most storied programs in UAAP basketball, having won 18 men's basketball championships, including a record seven consecutive titles from 1965 through 1971. The program has produced Philippine basketball legends including Robert Jaworski, Allan Caidic, Jerry Codiñera and James Yap.