AS first reported by SPIN.ph, Jai Reyes has been appointed as UAAP basketball commissioner beginning Season 88.
READ: SOURCES SAY Jai Reyes set to be the next UAAP commissioner
Reyes, 38, is a product of Ateneo, where he played for the Blue Eagles from Seasons 68-72 and earned a degree in BS Communications Technology Management. He was named Rookie of the Year in Season 68 and later became a back-to-back champion in his last two go-rounds.
Following his professional career, Reyes founded AsiaBasket, a league that organizes amateur basketball tournaments.
“I felt happy and excited that I can help build the UAAP because the league has opened so many opportunities for me,” he said on the heels of his official appointment. “I hope I can contribute to improving the league so it can do the same for the younger athletes.”
Joining Reyes in the basketball commissioner’s office are deputy commissioners Dino Lee, Mikko Abello (High School Division), and Ginny Velarde (Women’s Division). Jong Uichico, meanwhile, will serve as consultant.
“His experience is invaluable. He also headed the referee department of the SBP for quite some time,” said Reyes of Uichico, a La Salle product and current head coach of NLEX, while also heading the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Coaches Academy.
UAAP's steps to improve officiating
Levi Valenzuela will serve as technical head, while veteran referee Bong Pascual will conduct the referees workshop.
The new commissioner emphasized the importance of raising the level of officiating in the league.
“For the games to bring out the best basketball everyone has to offer, there has to be growth within the community - from players to coaches and stakeholders. We also want our athletes and coaches ready to represent the country in international competitions,” he said.
“To achieve that, we are tapping the best officials the country has to offer, following the standards set by FIBA, so our athletes and coaches are prepared for international play.
"We will be assessing and producing reports after every game, and we are also exploring the use of microphones for referees to ensure accountability and improve reviews of crucial situations. Our goal is to improve officiating every year through regular workshops in partnership with the SBP.”
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