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Gavina on new role as ROS assistant coach: "I'm just happy I'm here"

After a short-lived stint in the MPBL, Chris Gavina is returning to the PBA. MPBL (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--Chris Gavina was a surprise visitor in Day 3 of the Gilas Pilipinas practice sessions at the Meralco Gym on Friday night.

The former Valenzuela Classic head coach, however, was not there just as a mere spectator.

Gavina dropped by the national team practice to meet with Caloy Garcia for the first time as the newest member of the Rain Or Shine coaching staff as announced earlier in the day.

"I just told Coach Caloy that if [there is] any opportunity I get to really start learning his kind of a teaching pattern and his mannerisms, I'll take it," Gavina explained his presence in the Gilas practice. "He's really open to me coming here and just trying to see how he does plays.... Now, I have an opportunity to learn from a great teacher like Coach Caloy"

About his new appointment, Gavina said, "It's a great, tremendous gratitude kind of feeling that I'm having. I'm just happy I'm here."

Garcia, the first assistant coach of Gilas, presided over the national team training on Friday with Head Coach Yeng Guiao, as per Garcia, out on a business meeting.

But Gavina already provided help to Garcia even if they were in the Gilas practice by orchestrating individual training sessions with San Miguel's Alex Cabagnot and TNT's Troy Rosario.

And Gavina is already in awe not just with Cabagnot and Rosario but the entire pool as well.

"All this talent is really tremendous. Just seeing how these guys work with each other, I'm looking forward to them," Gavina further said.

According to him, he will officially join the Elasto Painters' coaching staff next week.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno