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UE Red Warriors Assemble All-PBA Coaching Staff

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 17:29 GMT by SPIN
      Locales: National Capital Region, NCR, PHILIPPINES

Manila, Philippines - February 13th, 2026 - The University of the East (UE) Red Warriors are making a bold statement of intent for the upcoming season, announcing a coaching staff brimming with Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) experience. Head Coach Alvin Gavina has meticulously assembled a team of mentors composed entirely of former PBA players, signaling a commitment to bridging the gap between collegiate and professional basketball for his athletes.

In a press conference held earlier today, Gavina unveiled the finalized roster of assistant coaches: Denok Miranda, Johnedel Carlos, and Oliver Magpantay. This isn't simply a symbolic gesture; it's a strategic overhaul designed to inject a PBA-level understanding of the game into every facet of the UE program. Gavina believes that by having coaches who lived the PBA experience, they can better prepare players for potential professional careers and, more immediately, elevate the Red Warriors' performance in the UAAP.

"We're going to have a coaching staff of all ex-PBA players," Gavina stated emphatically. "This is incredibly important for our players. They'll be able to learn more than just drills and plays; they'll gain insight into the nuances of the PBA - the mental toughness, the strategic intricacies, the physical demands. It's a different ballgame at that level, and we want to ensure our players are fully prepared if and when they get there."

Each addition to the coaching staff brings a unique and valuable skillset. Denok Miranda, a 13-year PBA veteran, offers a wealth of knowledge gained from stints with several prominent franchises including Shell, Ginebra, Sta. Lucia, and Meralco. Known for his playmaking ability and court vision during his playing days, Miranda is expected to focus heavily on offensive strategy and guard development. His experience navigating different team cultures and coaching philosophies will be invaluable in molding the Red Warriors' offensive approach.

Johnedel Carlos, a key contributor for Magnolia, Alaska, and Phoenix, brings a defensive mindset and a reputation for relentless hustle. Carlos was renowned for his perimeter defense and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He's projected to take charge of defensive schemes and individual defensive training, helping UE transform into a more formidable defensive unit. Sources within the program suggest he'll prioritize instilling a culture of accountability on the defensive end.

Rounding out the trio is Oliver Magpantay, who carved out a solid career with Talk 'N Text. Magpantay, a versatile forward during his PBA tenure, understands the importance of positional play and rebounding. He's anticipated to concentrate on the frontcourt players, focusing on post moves, rebounding techniques, and overall physicality. His experience contending for championships with Talk 'N Text should provide a valuable blueprint for success.

The move comes on the heels of a disappointing season for the Red Warriors, who struggled to find consistency and ultimately fell short of their playoff aspirations. This revamped coaching staff represents a clear attempt to shake things up and implement a new, more professional approach. The university administration has reportedly given Gavina full support, recognizing the potential for this strategy to revitalize the program.

Beyond the technical skills, the influence of PBA veterans extends to off-court development. These coaches can impart valuable lessons on professionalism, media handling, financial literacy, and navigating the pressures of being a high-profile athlete. They've been through it all, and their experiences can help UE players mature not just as basketball players, but as well-rounded individuals.

The appointment of this all-PBA coaching staff is a calculated gamble for UE, but one that could pay significant dividends. The Red Warriors face a tough road ahead in the competitive UAAP landscape, but with this infusion of professional experience, they're hoping to make some serious noise in the seasons to come. The eyes of the Philippine basketball community will be closely watching to see if this bold experiment can indeed turn the Red Warriors into legitimate contenders.