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New UAAP commissioner Jai Reyes joins a league that’s reeling from the death of two teen basketball players in the last two months

MANILA, Philippines – Former Ateneo Blue Eagles guard Jai Reyes returns to his old stomping ground, but in a different role.

Reyes has been named the UAAP basketball commissioner for Season 88, where he will be tasked with addressing recent league challenges. 

In his appointment, Reyes plans to address the athletes’ health and safety, following the shocking death of two teen basketball players after collapsing in practice in the last two months.

“With regard to first aid response, the UAAP has everything in place already. From teams’ physical therapist (PT), doctor, and ambulance on site,” Reyes told Rappler.

“I think the more important issue to address is prevention, so regular physical checkups are a start in the right direction.”

Last June, NU girls’ high school basketball Ashlyn Abong died after she collapsed during training for an overseas tournament. She was 18.

Just this week, UP’s foreign student-athlete Israel Osamudiame Friday, 19, suffered the same fate in one of his first practices with the team. 

“Technically, this is out of my jurisdiction, but a proper physical checkup before the season would be ideal,” said Reyes. 

Season 88 kicks off on September 19, with UST serving as host. 

Reyes also faces logistical hurdles, with the basketball tournament coinciding with the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, which will use major venues like the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, the FilOil Centre in San Juan, the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, and the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

For now, Reyes focuses on improving officiating across the league, as he explores the use of microphones on officials, similar to how FIBA conducts its games.

“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,” he said in a statement.

Reyes also tapped Levi Valenzuela as the officials’ technical head, while veteran referee Bong Pascual will conduct the referees’ workshop.

Valenzuela is an honorary FIBA member and a FIBA Rules contributor, while Pascual has been a referee supervisor in the PBA and has also officiated in two Olympic tournaments. 

“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,” Reyes added. 

According to the former Ateneo standout, he applied for the job to give back to the league that once gave him the opportunity to break through in basketball. 

“I did apply because the UAAP has taught me so much and has opened so many doors for me,” Reyes told Rappler. 

“Hopefully, I can contribute to improving the league so it can do the same for other young kids.”

Reyes is also the founder of Asiabasket, a league that has served as an offseason tournament for collegiate teams in recent years. 

Aside from Reyes, the UAAP appointed deputy commissioners Dino Lee, Mikko Abello for the high school division, and Ginny Velarde for the women’s division. 

NLEX Road Warriors head coach Jong Uichico will also serve as consultant for the league. – Rappler.com