Lipa loses job as UP cage coach

By Nick Giongco
Manila Bulletin
September 21, 2007

Joe Lipa, whose explosive court gestures have made him a fearsome figure to both his team and opponents, has been fired as head coach by the University of the Philippines after a dismal showing in the UAAP basketball tournament during which the Fighting Maroons failed to win a single game.

"A recommendation has been submitted by the Department of Human Kinetics that I be terminated," said Lipa early last night.

Lipa, whose most memorable achievement was coaching the Philippines to a bronze-medal finish in the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul, lost all 14 games this season, the first time UP posted such an embarrassing number.

Lipa was philosophical in accepting his fate.

"As I have said, I will not stand in the way for what’s good for the university," Lipa said, who had earlier aimed for an extension as he was hoping to be the man on the bench when the school celebrates its centenary next year.

Ironically, it was Lipa who gave UP its last and only UAAP crown in 1986 when the team had Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc on its lineup.

Magsanoc and Eric Altamirano, who was also a part of that championship squad, are reportedly being eyed to succeed Lipa.