Chris Gavina set to coach Taichung Suns

Chris Gavina is taking his talents to Taiwan. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--As it turns out, Rain Or Shine's Sunday night game against San Miguel in the PBA Commissioner's Cup would be the last time we will see Chris Gavina on the bench at least for a foreseeable future.

The Elasto Painters announced later Sunday that Gavina will be leaving the team as he accepted a new role as the head coach of the Taichung Suns in the T1 League.

"The Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters would like to thank Coach Chris Gavina for everything he has done for the team. We wish him all the best in his next coaching stint," Rain Or Shine said in a statement on its Facebook page.

Taichung finished runner-up last season, only getting swept by the eventual champion Kaohsiung in the best-of-five finals.

Despite the still impressive feat, the Suns moved on from Spanish coach Iurgi Caminos, who moved to the Taoyuan Pilots of the P.League+ to replace Taiwanese basketball legend and actor Johnny Yen as the chief tactician.

Taichung initially signed another Spaniard, Alberto Garcia, as their new mentor, but with ROS's announcement, Gavina has apparently stepped in for Garcia too.

Gavina joined the E-Painters as an assistant coach in 2018 after leaving the Terrafirma franchise.

He was promoted to head coach last season just as the previous gaffer, Caloy Garcia, was given a new role as the president of basketball operations.

Gavina's stint as ROS head coach lasted until the 2022 Philippine Cup as Yeng Guiao returned to the head coaching post for the Commissioner's Cup, although Gavina stayed in the coaching staff.

Gavina also coached Valenzuela and Bacoor City in the MPBL.

Gavina will have some familiar faces to join at Taichung, former PBA journeyman KG Canaleta, who also once joined the Dyip, and former Meralco import Tony Bishop.

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