Nine-time PBA champion and current NLEX Road Warriors head coach Jong Uichico will also serve as a consultant starting in the UAAP Season 88 next month.
Jai Reyes is making his UAAP comeback — but this time it will be as the Season 88 basketball commissioner.
The appointment of the two-time champion point guard from the Ateneo Blue Eagles was announced by the league on Friday, August 22.
Reyes replaced Xavy Nunag, who resigned from his post last April to focus on “other business pursuits.”
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In a statement, the 38-year-old Reyes expressed his enthusiasm about his new role, saying he is "happy and excited to help build the UAAP" while aiming to "contribute to improving the league so it can do the same for the younger athletes."
Dino Lee (all divisions), Mikko Abello (high school division), and Ginny Velarde (women's division) will serve as deputy commissioners.
Nine-time PBA champion coach and current NLEX Road Warriors head coach Jong Uichico will also serve as a consultant.
“His experience is invaluable. He also headed the referee department of the SBP for quite some time,” Reyes said of Uichico.
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He then highlighted the importance of raising the standard 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,” Reyes bared.
He continued: “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.”