For the first time in league history, a foreign FIBA referee officiated a collegiate basketball game in the Philippines, marking a major shift in the league’s push toward global-standard officiating.
The moment came during Game 1 of the NCAA Season 101 Seniors Basketball Seminals on Wednesday, when Saudi Arabian official Abdullah Alhejaili joined Filipino FIBA international referees Aaron Rey Cañete and Totie Celeste on the floor for the opener between San Beda University and the College of Saint Benilde.
The move is part of Commissioner Atty. Rico Quicho’s initiative to align the NCAA’s officiating program with FIBA standards, especially with the league’s full adoption of FIBA rules starting this season.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas proposed the possibility of having a foreign referee to officiate the post-season games prior to the season, and saw it approved by the league’s Management Committee.
Alhejaili will continue calling games throughout the finals.
“This is a groundbreaking initiative for Season 101. For the first time in NCAA history, a foreign FIBA International Referee will collaborate with Filipino FIBA International Referees to officiate the league’s semifinal and final games,” Quicho told Tiebreaker Times.
He stressed that this step reflects the league’s commitment to raising the quality of its competitions.
“This unprecedented collaboration underscores the NCAA’s commitment to aligning its tournaments with global standards,” he added.
Quicho emphasized that bringing in a foreign referee during the highest-pressure stage of the season strengthens the league’s credibility.
“With the league’s full adoption of FIBA rules this season, the presence of a foreign referee during the most critical stages of competition will further enhance the credibility, neutrality, and integrity of officiating. This milestone reflects the NCAA’s dedication to elevating the quality of collegiate basketball and ensuring fairness at the highest level of play,” he said.
Beyond the finals, Quicho framed the initiative as part of the NCAA’s long-term direction.
“By embracing international collaboration, the NCAA reaffirms its mission to uphold excellence, integrity, and innovation in Philippine collegiate sports,” he said.
