THE UAAP is convinced newly appointed 85th juniors’ basketball tournament Commissioner Xavier “Xavy” Nunag has what it takes.
“What he brings to the table is his managerial skills crucial to his position,” league executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag said. “In fact, he immediately buckled down to work and met key people several times in the short time given to him.
“I personally sat down with him twice and what stuck to me was his growth mindset,” he added.
Nunag, a former University of the Philippines cager and Ateneo High School coach, replaced Richard “Dickie” Bachmann, who was named Philippine Sports Commission chairman late last year.
Taking on the job is a blessing, according to Nunag.
“I had to mull it over not too long because of the time constraints. Since I played and coached here in the UAAP, I just tried to give back and serve the league,” Nunag, who also currently chairs a logistics company and a vice president of a resort, said.
“It’s a blessing. It’s something that I’m not taking for granted. I played for UP from 1998 to 2002, coached in Ateneo during UAAP Seasons 72 and 73, and then nag-analyst pa ako and now Commissioner, it’s such a blessing.”
Nunag hit the ground running last Sunday as the juniors’ tilt got going for the first time in three years due to the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.
“I had to know the league and ask ED for the updated rules and regulations. At the same time, I had to talk to the referees about what they see sa laro and the key points to improve on,” Nunag said.
“What I’m doing now is approaching every coach and having a one-on-one talk with them.”
Nunag is still pondering on whether he will also accept the role of 3×3 basketball commissioner, admitting he is taking things one step at a time.
“When I asked Commissioner Xavy if he would be open to staying with us for multiple seasons or even with our 3×3 tournament like what we offered to Chairman Bachmann, his answer was, ‘Let’s focus on the boys’ division first’,” Saguisaig said.
