Jose Antonio “Jai” Reyes has been appointed as the basketball commissioner of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) starting in Season 88.
At 38 years old, Reyes is an alumnus of Ateneo de Manila University, where he played for the Blue Eagles from Seasons 68 to 72, earning a degree in BS Communications Technology Management. He was recognized as the Rookie of the Year in UAAP Season 68 and went on to win two men’s basketball championships in Seasons 71 and 72.
After his professional playing career, Reyes founded Asiabasket, a league dedicated to organizing 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,” Reyes expressed. “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 serve as a consultant. Uichico, a product of De La Salle University, previously coached the Green Archers to back-to-back runners-up finishes during Seasons 59 and 60. He is currently the head coach of the PBA team NLEX and leads the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ Coaches Academy.
“His experience is invaluable. He also headed the referee department of the SBP for quite some time,” Reyes noted about Uichico.
Liberato “Levi” Valenzuela will take on the role of technical head, while veteran referee Ferdinand “Bong” Pascual will conduct the referees workshop. Valenzuela is an honorary FIBA member and a contributor to FIBA Rules, having recently retired from officiating in 2020. Pascual serves as the referee supervisor of the PBA and officiated during the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics.
Dino Lee has a diverse background, having served as a coach at Philadelphia High School, a board member in the Philippine Ching Yuen Athletic Association, a sports coordinator at Pace Academy, the league operations head of Asiabasket, and the general manager of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines.
Mikko Abello has experience coaching Ateneo’s Grade School and High School basketball teams in the QCAA and MyBall tournaments from 2005 to 2011. He is currently the Head of Marketing for Salomon and Anta Philippines. Regina Velarde previously served as head coach of De La Salle-Zobel’s high school girls’ basketball team during UAAP Season 82 and was the tournament commissioner of the Jordan Brand Dayo23 Women’s Tournament. She currently works as the business operations manager of Cisco Systems Philippines.
Reyes emphasized the importance of enhancing officiating standards in the league. “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 stated.
“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. 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.”