Celebrating Coach Joe’s legacy

In case you haven’t heard, there’s an amazing basketball reference book, authored by coach Joe Lipa in collaboration with sports marketing expert Peter Lopez, former UP College of Human Kinetics dean Ronnie Dizer and nutritionist Faith Rahi, outlining plays, unraveling philosophies, detailing conditioning drills, explaining dietary regimens, divulging scouting tips and just sharing experiences from some of the sport’s most notable practitioners. There’s even a glossary of basketball terms to keep readers abreast of the game’s evolving language. The 280-page book deserves a place in the library of every casual or serious fan. Those involved in any media capacity will find it a refreshing compendium of stories, insights and basketball secrets to keep you glued to each page.

It’s also a toast to Lipa’s basketball journey. Not that he’s ready to retire. Lipa, 80, remains actively engaged in the sport that’s his life. He’s the primary FilOil EcoOil pre-season collegiate basketball commissioner and consultant with PBA club Terrafirma. You’ll notice when Lipa is in the arena as players, coaches, officials and fans invariably approach him, take his hand and bow with his hand on their foreheads in a gesture of respect. There can only be one Joe Lipa and it’s a blessing that in our lifetime, he walks the earth with us.

In the history of Philippine basketball, there aren’t many who can match what he has gone through. Lipa was a UP player back in the 1960s and suited up for San Miguel in the MICAA, the PBA’s precursor. But it was as a coach where Lipa made his mark. He piloted the Fighting Maroons to their first UAAP title in 1986 and that same year, led the national team to a bronze medal at the Seoul Asian Games. Lipa picked up two SEA Games championships along the way and coached Manila Beer, Shell and FedEx in the PBA and Ateneo in the UAAP. He took the Blue Eagles to three straight Final Four appearances in 1999-2001, compiling a combined regular season record of 31-11. Lipa also coached in the semi-pros and even at the high school level. He has brought the game to the grassroots around the country, teaching kids not only to play but also to enjoy the fun of playing.

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