THE University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has tapped Jensen Ilagan as commissioner for its basketball tournaments.
Ilagan has served as the Technical Director of the regional ASEAN Basketball League prior to its appointment.
“I’m humbled to be the new UAAP Commissioner. I will do my best to uphold the league’s integrity through fair competition,” said Ilagan.
Assisting Ilagan as tournament director is a former Ateneo Blue Eagle and ex-Lyceum-Cavite High School Athletics Director LA Mumar.
Though just 37 years old, Ilagan already has a wealth of experience under his belt. Besides being the Technical Director of the ABL for the last four years, Ilagan, is also a FIBA-certified table official.
“His experience working in the ABL made us decide to tap him as our Commissioner,” said 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,” added UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag. “But such a risk, if it may even be called such, is not without calculation.”
One of the innovations Ilagan plans to introduce for the coming season is the ‘Video Review Initiative.’
With this, every member of the officiating pool will be mandated to review the games that were played after every 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,” the youthful commissioner shared.
