After four years away from the UAAP, Junel Baculi will make his return, as he will be the commissioner of the upcoming Men’s, Women’s, and Juniors’ Basketball Tournaments of the 81st Season of the UAAP.
According to multiple sources, Baculi was formally introduced to the eight coach of the league during the coaches’ meeting held at National University, Tuesday.
He takes over from Atty. Rebo Saguisag, who will now be the full-time Executive Director of the league.
This marks Baculi’s return to National University after serving as the school’s athletic director since the Sy family bought out NU back in 2008. He resigned in 2015 to focus on “his passion”, which is coaching.
The last time NU hosted the UAAP, famed head coach Ato Badolato was the commissioner back in the 75th season of the league.
Baculi’s assistant commissioner will be Tonichi Pujante, the first-ever commissioner of the Vietnam Basketball Association. Pujante is a product of Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
