KINUHA ng University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) ang Technical Director ng ASEAN Basketball League bilang bagong Commissioner para sa kanilang basketball tournaments sa darating na UAAP Season 82.

Hinirang ng UAAP si Jensen Ilagan upang maging bagong commissioner at chief administrator ng mga basketball tournaments ng liga kabilang ang Men’s at Women’s tournaments na magsisimula sa Setyembre 4.

“I’m humbled to be the new UAAP Commissioner. I will do my best to uphold the league’s integrity through fair competition,” pahayag ni Ilagan.

Makakatulong ni Ilagan bilang Tournament Director si dating Ateneo Blue Eagle at dating Lyceum-Cavite High School Athletics Director LA Mumar.

Bukod sa pagiging Technical Director ng ABL sa nakalipas na apat na taon, ang 37-anyos na si Ilagan na nagtapos ng kolehiyo sa Asia Pacific College ay isang FIBA-certified table official.

“His experience working in the ABL made us decide to tap him as our Commissioner,” pahayag ni UAAP President Emmanuel Fernandez. “His youth will bring more technological advancements to our league this season.”

“I commend the UAAP’s choice, spearheaded by this season’s host, as we continue to open our doors to candidates other than the traditional names in basketball,” ayon naman kay UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag. “But such a risk, if it may even be called such, is not without calculation.”

Nakatakdang ilunsad ni Ilagan sa darating na season ang ‘Video Review Initiative’ kung saan lahat ng miyembro ng officiating pool ay kinakailangang mag-review ng mga laro pagkatapos ng bawat game day.

“If it’s a good game, it will be the standard. If it’s a bad game then it will serve as a lesson for the officials as well,” ani Ilagan.

“He appears to be tech-savvy and is aligned with the UAAP’s vision of using data to hold officials accountable,” wika pa ni Saguisag na sya ring namumuno sa Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ Academy for Referees.

Kaugnay nito, aayusin pa ng liga ang kanilang pool of game officials mula sa tryout na isinagawa ni Ilagan nitong Hulyo 22-23na nilahukan ng 174 referees mula sa 12 officiating group.

Ang final pool ng referees ay ihahayag nila sa ikatlong linggo ng buwan.

“We have very high expectations and we will continue to watch him. I wish Mr. Ilagan luck in leading his office with pride and honor -- his success is our success,” ayon pa kay Saguisag.

-Marivic Awitan