Nunag named as UAAP HS Commissioner

Xavier Nunag has been named as the commissioner for the UAAP Season 85 High School Boys basketball tournament, the league announced on Sunday.

A former student-athlete at the University of the Philippines and an assistant with Ateneo, Nunag replaces Richard Bachmann, who has taken on a bigger calling as the chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission just before the year ended.

When asked about the appointment, Nunag says, "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."

He adds, "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's managerial skills were cited as a factor for his selection for the post, according to the league's executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag.

"What he brings to the table is his managerial skills crucial to his position," Saguisag says. "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, noting that the decision to appoint Nunag came on Wednesday.

Nunag immediately buckled down to work with the start of the tournament on Sunday. He went out and introduced himself to the coaches and notified them that he is available to address any inquiries.

He shared on Sunday, "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. What I'm doing now is approaching every coach and having a one-on-one talk with them."

Nunag acknowledged that he was also offered the role of commissioner for the upcoming 3x3 tournament, but bared that he's taking things one step at a time. He has experience with that particular role back in Season 82.