THEY’RE back, ready to lead the league to new heights.
Xavy Nunag, Mariana Lopa, and Marvin Bienvenida are set for another tour of duty in the UAAP, continuing their roles as key figures in the Basketball Commissioners’ Office for the 87th season.
This marks the third consecutive season for Nunag as the UAAP basketball chief, while Lopa and Bienvenida will serve as deputies overseeing the women’s and high school basketball tourneys, respectively.
Michael Villar and Lance Mandalano will also be the media consultant and admin personnel for the office anew.
“Our primary objective is to continue raising the standards of amateur basketball,” Nunag said. “We aim not just to uphold the quality of play but also to enhance the caliber of our referees.
“By doing so, we ensure that every game is officiated with the highest standards, contributing to the overall growth of the sport in the country,” he added.
The commissioners, alongside the league’s referees, wasted no time preparing for the coming cage wars, starting their work two months ahead of the season opening.
This proactive approach included visits to each university to address coaches’ concerns directly and sending referees to officiate tune-up games and scrimmages at various schools.
“This initiative is crucial not only for our coaches but also for our student-athletes,” Nunag said.
“By allowing them to experience firsthand how games will be called this season, we help them adapt and prepare better.”
The season will be particularly busy for the Basketball Commissioners’ Office, with a packed schedule planned for both semesters.
In the first semester, the junior high school boys’ (16-under) tilt will take place before the collegiate matches, providing young student-athletes with early exposure to high-level competition.
“Following the success of last season’s 16-under tournament, I’m thrilled that the boys will have the chance to play in big venues from a young age,” Bienvenida said.
“This experience is invaluable for their development as players, giving them a taste of the big stage and preparing them for the next level.”
The high school girls’ basketball meet is set to make a much-anticipated return after a five-year hiatus and will be held alongside the boys’ tilt in the second semester.
“I am excited that girls’ basketball is making its comeback,” Lopa said. “This is an excellent opportunity for young female student-athletes to grow and develop their skills before progressing to the collegiate level.
“It’s a positive step forward for women’s sports within the UAAP.”
The season will wind up with the 3×3 tournaments in May, capping off what promises to be an exciting year for UAAP basketball.
