By REYNALD MAGALLON
Filipino basketball legend Caloy Loyzaga finally got the long due recognition he very much deserves.
On Wednesday, Aug. 23, Loyzaga, also known as ‘The Big Difference’ was immortalized to basketball’s history as one of the 11 players and coaches inducted to THE FIBA Hall of Fame during an intimate ceremony attended by fellow awardees and their families and FIBA executives at the Sofitel Hotel.
No less than FIBA President Hamane Niang presented the award to Loyzaga’s eldest son, former Ginebra star Chito Loyzaga.
The legacy of Caloy Loyzaga, in Chito’s words, was that he played “for love of country, for the flag”. He gave it his all, showed sportsmanship and good character. That, perhaps, is what sets him apart from many.
“Imagine, that was not too long after the war. The struggles, the difficulties they had to go through to represent the country, to play for the flag. That was no joke,” said Chito.
Also present were Loyzaga’s wife Vicky and two other children – Joey and Bing.
The most decorated Filipino basketball player of all time, Loyzaga had become the face of Philippine basketball during his time. He was revered and at the same time feared for his great talent, bulldozing his way against the taller and hertier rivals – the Americans included.
With his 6-foot-3 frame, undeniable charisma and leadership – not to mention, his skill sets that are still considered rare for his position as a big man – towed the Philippines to a third place finish in the 1954 edition of the global showpiece.
It was an achievement that up to this da, stood the test of time and still appeared to be unreachable even with the best collection of Filipino players in today’s generation. It was also the farthest any Asian country had achieved in the biggest sporting spectacle next to Olympics.
