Big J among those eyed for UAAP post

MANILA, Philippines - Living legend Robert Jaworski as UAAP basketball commissioner?

Some quarters in the collegiate league are toying with the idea of possibly offering Jaworski the job of commissioner for Season 77, according to Rod Roque of new host University of the East.

Roque said former King Warrior Jaworski is among a dozen basketball personalities whom board members have suggested for the delicate position, along with veteran coach Joe Lipa, former PBA commissioner Noli Eala, former PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad, UE assistant Bai Cristobal, coach Bong Ramos, and former referee Tito Varela.

“We have 12 names sa listahan at sino-shortlist pa namin (We have 12 names at this point and we’re in the process of making a shortlist),” the incoming secretary-treasurer said after Wednesday night’s closing ceremonies and turn-over rites at Century Park Hotel.

Although not mentioned in the initial roster of candidates bared by Roque, sources said former PBA exec Elmer Yanga is also being seriously considered and appeared to have the inside track. A UE alumnus, Yanga had previously taken charge of basketball matters in the UAAP back in Season 69.

The nomination of the “Big J” comes out of left field.

“Hindi pa namin siya nakakausap pero kino-consider namin siya (We haven’t spoken to Jaworski yet but we’re considering him),” said the UE official.

Interestingly, the name of Season 76 commissioner Chito Loyzaga is not in the mix. UE had a run-in with Loyzaga the previous season, when the former Ginebra ace suspended key players Charles Mammie and Ralf Olivares during the crucial stretch of the tournament.

The host school seemed to be more accommodating to the return of Loyzaga’s deputy, Ato Badolato, though.

“Si Ato, baka sakali, kung mapipili siya na deputy uli ng commissioner (If the commissioner will choose Badolato to be the deputy again, why not),” said Roque.

UE has formally assumed hosting chores from Adamson, hoping to sustain the momentum from a hugely successful, and at times controversial, year. Season 77 will blast off on July 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with host Warriors taking on University of the Philippines in the opening game.

“We at UE will give our best to make Season 77 as successful and I pray, without controversies, as we aim to prove that UAAP is synonymous to unity in excellence, which incidentally is our chosen theme for UAAP Season 77,” incoming Season 77 president Carmelita Mateo said.

 The league feted the top performers of Season 76 Wednesday night, led by Woman National Master Jan Jodilyn Fronda of La Salle and basketball ace Camille Sambile of Far Eastern, who shared Athlete of the Year honors in the seniors division, and fencer Divine Romero of UE, who won the plum in the juniors.

La Salle also received its general championship trophy in recognition of its excellence in the 28 events played.

“It just means we have a very healthy sports program. Our recruitment and development of various teams is on the right track,” said Edwin Reyes, DLSU’s representative to the UAAP board.

The Lasallians had a rather muted celebration in deference to the feelings of the Lady Spikers, who abdicated the throne in a bitter ending to an otherwise successful year for the Taft-based institution.

“You can’t celebrate 100 percent kung ang kasama mo ay nagdurugo ang puso (when some of you are hurting from a loss). We were just sensitive to our community and what the girls are going through, and to the coach also,” said Reyes. “But overall, we’re happy with our campaign.”