UAAP board to choose from two referee groups

The UAAP board might tap the services of either the Basketball Referees Association for Schools, Colleges and Universities (BRASCU) or the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) for their basketball games, which will start on July 10 at the Araneta Coliseum. UAAP president Ricky Palou of Season 74 host Ateneo said that the board will decide on which pool of referees to choose. “We are still looking at the pool of referees from BRASCU. We are also looking at inviting members from the SBP pool," said Palou. SBP referees were used during the previous UAAP season hosted by La Salle but three officials were suspended following errant calls during a first round game. Palou also expressed confidence that UAAP basketball commissioner Andy Jao can handle the officiating, whichever referees group will be chosen. “We feel that (Jao) knows the game well and he knows how to handle officiating," said Palou of the former Philippine Basketball League (PBL) commissioner back when it was still known as the Philippine Amateur Basketball League (PABL). Jao is also the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ team manager and a television analyst in PBA broadcast panel. Palou also said that the UAAP will be adopting the new FIBA rules that were issued late last year. The league will now use the rectangular-shaped shaded lane instead of the usual trapezoid while the shot clock will be reset to 14 seconds when there is stoppage of play under the 14-second mark in the game clock and the offensive team has already crossed the center line. The men’s basketball games will be held at the Araneta Coliseum, PhilSports Arena and The Arena in San Juan City. – Reuben Terrado/JVP, GMA News