Chris Gavina will call the shots for Rain or Shine in the upcoming PBA season after being promoted to the head coaching post, the team announced on Monday, March 1.

Gavina replaces former head coach Caloy Garcia after more than two years since joining Rain or Shine as an assistant coach.

A longtime coach of the franchise, Garcia remains with Rain or Shine as an active consultant and head of basketball operations.

Before joining Rain or Shine, the 42-year-old Gavina first served as head coach of Mahindra/Kia, which is now called Terrafirma.

It was under the tutelage of Gavina when Mahindra reached the playoffs for the only time in franchise history in 2016.

Gavina left the Terrafirma franchise in 2017 and took on head coaching roles for the Valenzuela Classic and Bacoor Strikers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

At Rain or Shine, Gavina is tasked to guide the team reclaim its old glory as a finals appearance remained elusive since it last won a PBA title in 2016 under former head coach Yeng Guiao.

Rain or Shine made the semifinals thrice since Garcia replaced Guiao, who eventually signed with NLEX, in 2016. – Rappler.com