For Caloy Garcia and the newest member of his staff Chris Gavina, the PBA Season 44 campaign has started early. And it’s because Gavina wants to learn the culture of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters as early as now.
For the last two practices of Gilas Pilipinas, Gavina has been in attendance helping out with the team’s sessions.
“I just told coach Caloy that any opportunity to get to start learning his teaching patterns and mannerisms, I’ll take it. He’s really open to me going here and see how he does things,” expressed Gavina.
“I hope it translates to me as I transition to his coaching staff.”
Gavina started off his coaching career with the Mahindra Enforcers as the team’s de facto head coach as Manny Pacquiao rarely joined the team. He was only named as the chief tactician during the start of the 2017-18 PBA Philippine Cup. His record was 2-0 before he resigned.
He was then tapped as the head coach of MPBL club team Valenzuela Classic, before going on an indefinite leave of absence.
But his heart has always been in the PBA.
“Man, it’s a great gratitude kind of feeling. I’m happy to be back. I’ve missed it,” the now-39 year old shared.
“I’m just happy to be here.”
But if there’s one thing he won’t get to do with Rain or Shine, it’s wearing his trademark coat, as Rain or Shine pride themselves in being a blue-collar team.
“I think just the ability to just grow. Now, I have an opportunity to really learn from a great teacher right here in coach Caloy,” he added.
“He won’t let me wear my jacket so, I’m kind of hesitant [laughs]. No coats allowed! But I’m good, I’m happy.”
For the meantime, Gavina is relishing the opportunity to help out Team Pilipinas for the upcoming 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
“Being around all this talent is tremendous. Just seeing how these guys work with each other, been looking forward to them playing against Iran and Kazakhstan.”
