Search for Lipa replacement on

The Philippine Star
Saturday, September 22, 2007

The search for Joe Lipa’s replacement as head coach of the UP Maroons in the UAAP is about to begin. Lipa, the flamboyant bench tactician, got the pink slip the other day from university officials, barely a week after the Maroons closed out the season with a futile 0-14 record.

Early names that have cropped up as Lipa’s possible replacement include Ronnie Magsanoc, Eric Altamirano and Allan Gregorio. They all come from UP.

Magsanoc and Altamirano both played under Lipa and for the team that last gave UP the UAAP crown in 1986. The team was spearheaded by Benjie Paras who went on to become a two-time MVP in the PBA.

A search committee will soon be formed to evaluate the list of candidates.

“It will go through a screening process. But UP must review its basketball program – its facilities, talent identification, player management, alumni support and coaching philosophy,” said a UP alumnus. – Abac Cordero