Lipa back as UP mentor

The one coach who steered University of the Philippines to its only UAAP title is back at the Diliman campus.

UP athletic director and board representative Kiko Diaz yesterday announced the appointment of Joe Lipa as the Maroons’ new head coach replacing Lito Vergara.

This came after Lipa, who coached UP to its only UAAP basketball crown in 1986, was also named coach of Granny Goose in the Philippine Basketball League effective Nov. 10 in preparation for UP’s campaign next season.

Lipa replaced Jun Tan at the GMC-owned franchise, which took UP as its adopted school.

Diaz, however, said their decision would be submitted to school chancellor Dr. Sergio Cao for final approval.

"It’s just a formality," said Diaz, who chaired the selection committee that picked the former commissioner of the UAAP and rival NCAA this season.

Diaz said Lipa would oversee tryouts set at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays at the UP Gym exclusively for university students.

Lipa was chosen among a group of coaches that included his former players ex-Coca-Cola coach Eric Altamarino and Purefoods assistant coach Ronnie Magsanoc, both members of that 1986 champion squad.

Meanwhile, Adamson is also set to pick up Leo Austria as its new head coach.

Louie Alas, who steered Letran to the 2003 and 2005 NCAA titles, earlier turned down the offer to coach the Falcons because of his commitment with the Knights. — Joey Villar