Coach Jong Uichico steps out of comfort zone to take charge of the SBP Referees' Academy

For Coach Jong Uichico 2020 has been a busy year for despite the coronavirus pandemic, as he had worn two hats at the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas: as the head of the Coaches’ Academy and as the interim mentor of Gilas Pilipinas that zoomed to the top of their group at the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers which was held recently in Bahrain two weeks ago.

“Para sakin, better to be busy that not be busy,” admitted the multi-titled coach in the PBA in an exclusive for Pinoyliga.

Unbeknownst to some, he already had a third hat in the SBP, as he assumed the top post in its Referees’ Academy last November 15, just four days before he was named as the head coach of Gilas in the second window.

To him, it is a new challenge for him leading the way for its officiating aspect of the game, owing to his focus with the national team which were in the thick of the preparation in the Middle East bubble.

“I’m just acquainting myself with the process of the referee’s academy, but I really didn’t have that much time because we’re in a bubble with Gilas,” he said.

“Medyo I am a neophyte. I’m trying to learn the ropes kasi of the processes of the referees’ academy, on how to improve the level of officiating.”

The goals to improve its much-maligned aspect of the game is much like the same from his expertise manning the sidelines, despite different approaches and processes to do so.

“Actually, very similar lang naman sila, yung process lang iba because we all have the same goal: To elevate the coaching knowledge and level of basketball, same with the referees also.”

For Uichico, being an uncharted territory is also a huge learning process for him, as he took over the post previously held by no less than Atty. Rebo Saguisag, who had been more immersed with the referees in his days as the basketball commissioner of the UAAP before being elevated as its inaugural executive director.

“He is exposed to all these,” he then articulated. “Ako ang exposure ko lang sa referees is sa laro (laughs) because they are officiating the game that I coach.”

To him, continuing the programs that were in line to his predecessor’s will be his top priority, echoing the aim to have the role being professionalized and streamlined as they will have to go a gradual process until they reach the elite level.

“We also have to professionalize them. Hindi lang basta-basta pwede mag-referee just because you know the game,” Uichico admitted.

“Hindi lang knowledge of the rules ang kailangan. It is being a student of the game as being a referee, and having the right judgement at the right time because, just like coaches, they make last second decisions.”

Stepping out of his comfort zone is a tough ask, but Uichico eventually gave credit to the hardworking staff who work behind the scenes to make the process work.

“I’m just taking the place of Atty. Rebo but of course, yung mga gumagawa talaga ng mga proseso niyan sila naman yung hands-on."

FILE PHOTOS: Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, UAAP