With UAAP Season 88 on the horizon, new basketball commissioner Jai Reyes is doubling down on his vision for the league to adopt an international-style officiating to help athletes adapt.
Newly-appointed UAAP basketball commissioner Jai Reyes is putting officiating at the center of his mandate, noting how crucial it is in preparing student-athletes to compete on the international stage.
“The board has made it clear that we always want to get our athletes ready for the international stage. That’s why we are heavily aligning with FIBA standards in terms of how the game is called, so our athletes are prepared to represent our country,” Reyes told One Sports' Play By Play in an exclusive interview.
The former Ateneo guard noted that the league must continue to be a training ground that molds players not only for collegiate competition but also for international duty.
And whether playing for the national team or pursuing overseas careers in the future, Reyes emphasized that his vision could help elevate the level of play among athletes.
“For me, I just want the best type of officiating this year and to open up more opportunities for the players, wherever they may want to play,” he said.
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Last year, two-time UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in the November window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, right in the thick of the DLSU Green Archers’ campaign.
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He added that improving officiating standards will allow players’ skills and talent to shine while boosting the quality of play across all divisions, including women’s and high school basketball.
“The most important thing to boost those divisions is to make the product on the court better. We try to bring out the basketball skills and talent of the players through proper officiating,” Reyes noted.
Reyes was appointed by the league to the post following the resignation of Xavy Nunag last April. Multi-time PBA champion coach and current NLEX Road Warriors head tactician Jong Uichico will also serve as a consultant.
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UAAP Season 88 will officially open on Friday, September 19, with the basketball tournament tipping off the following day.