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'Big Difference' finally gets well-deserved place in basketball Hall of Fame

Sports | Basketball

'Big Difference' finally gets well-deserved place in basketball Hall of Fame

By Reynald I. Magallon

At A Glance

Filipino basketball legend Caloy Loyzaga finally got the recognition he very much deserves.

Filipino basketball legend Caloy Loyzaga finally got the recognition he very much deserves.

FIBA HOF - Caloy Loyzaga1.JPG — FIBA president Hamane Niang with Caloy Loyzaga's children Chito, Bing and Joey (SBP photo)

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 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.

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 were still considered rare for his position as a big man – he towed the Philippines to a third place finish in the 1954 edition of the global showpiece.

It was an achievement that up to this day, 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.

Related Tags

Caloy Loyzaga 2023 FIBA World Cup

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