Jai Reyes is new UAAP hoops commissioner

MANILA, Philippines — Former Ateneo Blue Eagle Jai Reyes has been named the new UAAP basketball commissioner, the league announced Friday.

Reyes, who won two UAAP championships, replaced Xavy Nunag, who recently resigned from his post.

The 38-year-old Reyes, in a statement, said he is “happy and excited to help build the UAAP.”

“The league has opened so many opportunities for me,” Reyes said. “I hope I can contribute to improving the league so it can do the same for the younger athletes.”

Nunag served as the basketball commissioner from UAAP Season 86 to 87. He stepped down from his post to focus on business pursuits.

Joining Reyes are deputy commissioners Dino Lee, Mikko Abello (High School Division) and Regina “Ginny” Velarde (Women’s Division).

Liberato "Levi" Valenzuela will serve as the technical head, while veteran referee Ferdinand “Bong” Pascual will conduct the referees workshop.

Valenzuela is an honorary FIBA member and a FIBA Rules Contributor. He has recently retired from officiating in 2020.

Pascual is the referee supervisor of the PBA and also officiated during the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics.

NLEX head coach Jong Uichico will likewise serve as consultant.

“[Uichico’s] experience is invaluable. He also headed the referee department of the SBP for quite some time,” Reyes, who founded Asiabasket, said.

Raising the level of officiating in the league will be of utmost importance, Reyes said.

“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,” he added.

“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.”

The UAAP will tip off in September.