Lipa named commissioner for incoming UAAP season

Joe Lipa, the fiery former RP team coach who once called the shots for the UP Maroons and the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP, is back as commissioner of the country’s premier collegiate league.

Lipa’s appointment was confirmed by UAAP secretary-treasurer Ricardo Matibag of host Adamson in a meeting among members of the technical committee, coaches and representatives of participating men’s, women’s and juniors’ teams at the Alumni Center of UP Diliman.

"Yes he’s our basketball commissioner this year," Matibag told The STAR, referring to Lipa, who takes the place of multi-titled San Beda High coach Ato Badolato as commissioner of the UAAP which is entering its 68th season.

Lipa, who coached FedEx in the PBA last year, said he is tapping a new set of referees — a 30-man pool — to officiate all the games to be played under FIBA (International Basketball Federation) rules.

Lipa said a three-man officiating team will cover all seniors games while two referees will be tapped in all women’s and juniors matches.

And Lipa sees the forthcoming season no less than exciting.

"We all know that the UAAP is always known for its very exciting games especially this year because I see improvements in all teams," said Lipa, who will be backed up by former PBA referee Romy Guevarra on the league’s technical matters.

Lipa personally laid down the ground rules to all the attending coaches, including newly-installed Ateneo coach Norman Black, UP’s Lito Vergara, University of the East’s Dindo Pumaren and National University returnee Manny Dandan.

The new season unfolds July 9 at the Araneta Coliseum with games pitting UP vs Santo Tomas at 2 p.m. and last year’s second placer Far Eastern University against 2004 semifinalist UE at 4 p.m.

Host Adamson clashes with NU at 2 p.m. the next day with defending champion La Salle and Ateneo rekindling their storied rivalry at 4 p.m. also at the Big Dome. All games are scheduled at the Araneta Coliseum and the Blue Eagle Gym.