The UAAP basketball commissioner’s office, led by commissioner Xavier “Xavy” Nunag, continued its commitment to improving tournament operations in its second consecutive season, implementing significant enhancements during the first semester of UAAP Season 87.
These efforts ensured standardized officiating and efficient management across the men’s, women’s, and junior high school boys’ basketball tournaments, with a total of 185 games played across the three divisions, spanning 104 days.
“Our vision for the UAAP Commissioner’s Team is to ensure fairness, consistency, and excellence in every aspect of the league. By fostering collaboration, empowering our referees, and maintaining open communication with schools and coaches, we aim to uphold the highest standards of officiating and game management,” said Nunag.
A streamlined commissioner’s team, established during Season 86, further solidified its structure this year.
(C) UAAP Basketball Commissioner’s Office
Atty. Mariana Lopa served as Deputy Commissioner for the Women’s Division, Marvin Bienvenida as Deputy Commissioner for the Juniors Division, Michael Villar as Media Head, and Lance Mandalano as Deputy for Operations.
This team ensured equal attention and consistent oversight across all divisions.
“This team is dedicated to creating a level playing field where every athlete, coach, and fan can trust the integrity of the game,” added Nunag.
Building on last season’s initiatives, pre-season visits to member schools were conducted once again.
These visits allowed student-athletes and coaches to familiarize themselves with officiating standards ahead of the games, smoothing the transition from training to competition.
To maintain integrity and consistency, the commissioner’s office upheld its exclusive referee pool policy, restricting UAAP referees to officiating only within the league.
This approach, combined with ongoing referee training and mentorship programs, upheld high officiating standards and ensured alignment with the latest FIBA rules.
A rapid response system for addressing officiating queries and a rigorous post-game review process were retained, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Additionally, standardized game procedures and clear disciplinary protocols continued to create a level playing field for all teams.
(C) UAAP Basketball Commissioner’s Office
Deputy Commissioner Atty. Mariana Lopa emphasized the focus on equality in basketball operations: “Our role as the Commissioner’s Team was to set the standard: in the UAAP, equality is non-negotiable, and excellence knows no gender. We took proactive steps to recruit and train female game officials, ensuring they had opportunities to officiate at the highest collegiate level.
“Our commitment to gender equality extended to assigning top referees across all divisions, including the women’s games, enhancing the quality of play and contributing to the renewed spotlight on women’s basketball. Today, progress is seeing a female game official walk into the arena and knowing that no one questions her belonging.”
The Commissioner’s Office looks ahead to the second semester, which begins on January 19 with high school boys’ and girls’ basketball tournaments.
UAAP Season 87 basketball will culminate with the 3×3 basketball tournaments scheduled for the first week of May.
