Carlos Loyzaga’s children Princess, Bing, Teresa and Joey gather around their mother Vicky for a candid moment in front of his poster during the Fiba Hall of Fame ceremony at Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay on Wednesday night. –Denison Dalupang/Inquirer Sports
Carlos Loyzaga officially entered world basketball’s hallowed grounds on Wednesday night, joining 11 other luminaries in the Fiba Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023.
Hamane Niang, the outgoing Fiba president, presided over the intimate ceremony held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.
“Thank God that he’s finally inducted,” his son Joey, a former Ginebra player, said in a quick chat with reporters during the event.
“This would’ve been extraordinary had this happened 45 years ago, in 1978 when the last time the Philippines hosted the World Championships, don’t you think? But I guess God has better plans,” he added. “But it’s just perfect now. It’s now the World Cup.”
Loyzaga, known as the “Big Difference,” flaunts a glittering resumé that includes four medals in the Asian Games. His biggest feat, however, was leading the National Five to a bronze medal in the 1954 World Championships held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, which to this day remains the best finish by any Asian country.
Loyzaga, who passed away at age 85, is the first Filipino player to be inducted into the Hall. He is the second Filipino overall, following his mentor, Olympic coach Dionisio Calvo, who was part of the pioneering class of 2007.
Former PSC Commissioner, PBA legend, and Loyzaga’s firstborn Chito, delivered the acceptance speech. Also with him and Joey in the event were their sisters Princess, Teresa, Bing along with their 84-year-old mother Vicky—who despite her aging frame, still tried to imitate a jump shot in front of the local press.
Other inductees were former NBA star Yao Ming of China, former Philippine team tormentor Sony Hendrawan of Indonesia, Yuko Oga of Japan, Penny Taylor of Australia, Katrina McClain of USA, Wlamir Marquies of Brazil, Angelo Monteiro dos Santos Victoriano of Angola, Zurab Sakandelidze of Georgia (posthumously), Valerie Garnier of France and Alessandro Gamba of Italy.
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