Former Ateneo star Jose Antonio “Jai” Reyes has been appointed as the UAAP Basketball Commissioner beginning Season 88.
Reyes, 38, played for the Blue Eagles and was named Rookie of the Year in UAAP Season 68 and later became a two-time men’s basketball champion in Seasons 71 and 72.
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,” said Reyes. “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 Regina “Ginny” Velarde (Women’s Division).
Joseph Enrique “Jong” Uichico will also serve as consultant.
Uichico is a product of De La Salle University, also coaching the Green Archers to back-to-back runners-up finishes during Seasons 59 and 60. He is currently the head coach of PBA team NLEX and is the head of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ Coaches Academy.
“His experience is invaluable. He also headed the referee department of the SBP for quite some time,” said Reyes.
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.
