VETERAN basketball analyst Andy Jao is being eyed as the new commissioner of the UAAP Season 77.
Spin.ph learned from a source that Jao tops the list of candidates that host University of the East is looking at for the basketball tournament which kicks off with the men’s competition on July 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Unlike the PBA where the commissioner has a fixed tenure, the head of the college league's basketball operations is appointed on a yearly basis by the host school.
Last season's commissioner was Chito Loyzaga.
A former Philippine Basketball League (PBL) commissioner and longtime television analyst, Jao has previously served as commissioner of the UAAP in 2011 back when Ateneo was the host.
Reached for comment by Spin.ph, the man more popularly known as 'Dr. J' claimed he has not been approached by UE about the job.
“Hindi ko pa alam,” said Jao, who also served as Rain or Shine consultant - a role he now plays with Talk 'N Text.
"Hindi pa ako kinakausap, pero may nagtanong sa akin kung gusto ko ba. Tignan natin. Matanda na tayo ngayon kaya pag-isipan ko muna.”
Jao, however, said he is still open to the role of UAAP commissioner.
“If I think I can help, then I’ll see. At the moment, hindi pa naman ako in-oofferan,” added Jao.
Among those also considered for the UAAP job by UE were cage great and celebrated alumnus Robert Jaworski, former PBA commissioner Noli Eala, and former PBL chief Chino Trinidad.
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