MANILA, Philippines -- The UAAP announced on Tuesday that it has appointed Jensen Ilagan, the technical director of the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL), as its commissioner for its basketball tournaments.

Ilagan will serve as the chief administrator for the basketball tournaments on the UAAP, which start on September 4, 2019.

"I'm humbled to be the new UAAP commissioner. I will do my best to uphold the league's integrity through fair competition," said Ilagan.

Assisting Ilagan as tournament director is former Ateneo de Manila University player LA Mumar.

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The 37-year-old Ilagan has a wealth of experience under his belt, as he is also a FIBA-certified table official who graduated with a degree in Commerce at the Asia Pacific College.

"His experience working in the ABL made us decide to tap him as our commissioner," said UAAP president Emmanuel Fernandez of the Ateneo de Manila University. "His youth will bring more technological advancements to our league this season."

"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," added UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag. "But such a risk, if it may even be called such, is not without calculation."

One of the innovations Ilagan plans to introduce for this campaign is the "Video Review Initiative." With this, every member of the officiating pool will be mandated to review the games that were played after every game day.

"If it's a good game, it will be the standard. If it's a bad game then it will serve as a lesson for the officials as well," Ilagan said.

"He appears to be tech-savvy and is aligned with the UAAP's vision of using data to hold officials accountable," said Saguisag, who is also the head of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas' Academy for Referees.

However, the league has yet to finalize the pool of game officials for the upcoming season.

Ilagan held a tryout last July 22-23 where 174 referees from 12 officiating groups attended the meet. The pool was trimmed down to 73 referees who will all undergo intensive training next week.

The final pool of officials will be revealed on the third week of August, according to Ilagan.

"We have very high expectations and we will continue to watch him. I wish Mr. Ilagan luck in leading his office with pride and honor -- his success is our success," said Saguisag.

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