7 August 2019
By Kevin Estrada
A month before the 82nd season tips off, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines has tapped Jensen Ilagan as the new commissioner of basketball Monday.
Ilagan, who was the technical director of the ASEAN Basketball League for four years, is replacing veteran coach Junel Baculi who was the top honcho last season ahead of the new cage wars which will commence on September 4.
The younger brother of the ABL COO Jericho Ilagan, the commerce graduate from the Asia Pacific College is no stranger to the officiating side of things as he has a certification from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to be part of the table.
“I’m humbled to be the new UAAP Commissioner. I will do my best to uphold the league’s integrity through fair competition,” Ilagan said.
His appointment hopes to bring the game into the modern era, as the league’s officials lauded his technological savvy and international experience in the most glamorous school league in the country.
“His youth will bring more technological advancements to our league this season,” said league president Emmanuel Fernandez of hosts Ateneo whose Blue Eagles are the two-time defending champions in the showpiece men’s tournament.
UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag lauded Ilagan’s designation as they opened the way for non-traditional choices.
“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. But such a risk, if it may even be called such, is not without calculation,” he said.
To complement Ilagan, the league also tap former Blue Eagle LA Mumar as its tournament director, having previously known as the basketball coach turned athletic director of Lyceum’s high school.
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