Philippine basketball legend Caloy Loyzaga was posthumously inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame on Wednesday night. The ceremony took place at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City, Philippines.
Loyzaga was joined by a group of 12 other legendary players and coaches, including former NBA star Yao Ming.
Loyzaga’s children, Chito and Joey Loyzaga, and his sisters, actress Bing Loyzaga, Teresa Loyzaga, and Carmen Loyzaga accepted the award on his behalf. Their mother Mrs. Victoria Loyzaga also graced the event.
During the acceptance ceremony, his eldest son, Chito, eloquently described his father’s legacy in his heartfelt message: “These young men were the first to represent the ideals and aspirations of our young nation on the global sporting stage,” Chito Loyzaga expressed, reflecting on his father’s squad. However, Loyzaga expressed his hope that his father’s legacy would transcend the confines of a basketball court.
“Beyond his accolades, our family hopes that he will be remembered for his love of the game. Along with this, may he also be remembered for his honesty, integrity, sense of justice and fair play, simple dignity, quiet humility, and deep gratitude for having been given the opportunity to represent this country. These perhaps may set him apart from some of the athletes past and present,” he further said.
Loyzaga was a dominant force in Philippine basketball during his playing career. He was a member of the Philippine team that won the bronze medal at the 1954 FIBA World Cup, the best finish by an Asian country in tournament history. He was also a 10-time PBA MVP and a 13-time PBA champion.
Loyzaga was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the game of basketball. Loyzaga, who died at the age of 85, is the first Filipino basketball player to be inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.
(Philippine News Agency / Eagle News )
