The University Athletic Association of the Philippines yesterday officially appointed Joe Lipa as its commissioner when its Season 72 unwraps on July 11 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Lipa formally assumed the position yesterday during the UAAP board meeting at the FEU campus in Morayta, Manila, replacing last year’s commissioner Chito Narvasa.

At the same time, Ricky Palou, Ateneo’s representative to the league board, said the UAAP will tap referees from the Philippine Basketball Association, Philippine Basketball League and BRASCO, a new referees group, for the coming season.

It will mark the first time that pro refs will officiate in the UAAP.

The recent appointment marked the return of Lipa as UAAP commissioner since assuming the job four seasons ago. He was also the commissioner of the NCAA last year. – Joey Villar