By: Joaquin Cortez
University of the East head coach Chris Gavina is not making predictions ahead of UAAP Season 89.
But despite the Red Warriors carrying the burden of a program that has not made the Final Four since 2009 and is coming off a winless campaign in Season 88, Gavina believes his revamped squad has what it takes to bring one of the UAAP’s most storied programs back to the postseason.
“Extremely confident,” Gavina said.
“I think this group really has a high belief in themselves, and as a collective group, I haven’t seen this level of camaraderie at UE in a while, and I’ve loved their team spirit. I think they’re going to bring back UE pride.”
The Red Warriors are tied with the University of Santo Tomas for the second-most UAAP men’s basketball championships with 18. Yet despite that championship pedigree, UE’s recent years have been defined by its prolonged absence from the league’s postseason.
In Season 88, the Red Warriors went winless at 0-14, with several key players from that squad moving on after the campaign.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Only Daryll Robles, Kristopher Lagat, and Drew Jimenez remain from last season’s team as UE looks to turn the page with a revamped roster. But the departures opened the door for the Red Warriors to reload with a new crop of young talent during the offseason.
Former Far Eastern University-Diliman players Jheremy Godoy and Dexter Santos, who helped the Baby Tamaraws capture the UAAP Season 88 boys’ basketball crown, headline UE’s new additions.
They will be joined by another former Baby Tamaraw, Xyrus Gemao, who reunites with Godoy and Santos at UE after their time together at Malayan High School, as well as UE high school product Louie Bual.
With the roster overhaul, Gavina also committed to continuing the Red Warriors’ rebuild after signing a one-year contract extension earlier this year.
But beyond the personnel changes, Gavina said the offseason additions are only part of the equation. The former PBA coach also highlighted the work his team has put in during the break.
“It’s been a great build-up of team chemistry, camaraderie, and building a competitive spirit,” Gavina said.
“I think our refocus this year was building new standards, making sure that those standards are executed daily. We also acknowledged our weaknesses from last year, and I think those were very pivotal.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Having missed the Final Four for the past 16 years while other programs have continued to contend at the top of the league, UE has also embraced the lack of expectations surrounding the program.
“There are zero expectations outside of our inner circle. It’s just within our self-belief that our work will pay off,” he said.
“I feel I’m emphasizing to our guys, play with no pressure, play with no fear, and I think that will translate on the court beginning on September 16th.”
The Red Warriors will begin their Season 89 campaign against the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Still, Gavina is not putting a projection on UE’s Season 89 finish, instead pointing to the standard the team has established throughout the offseason.
“I’m not in the job of making predictions or saying that we can’t make Final Four,” Gavina said.
“What I can say is we’ve been given Final Four effort and Final Four attitude on a daily basis. Hopefully, that all translates to the destination, and we’ll enjoy the journey as we get there.”
