Filipino Hoops Legend Caloy Loyzaga To Be Inducted At 2023 FIBA Hall Of Fame

FIBA recently announced the Hall of Fame Class of 2023 headlined by former Houston Rockets star Yao Ming and 2006 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup champion Penny Taylor.

This year's elite list of inductees include two-time Olympian and 1954 Basketball World Cup bronze medalist Carlos "Caloy" Loyzaga, thus making him the second Filipino to be enshrined in the FIBA Hall of Fame, since two-time Olympic coach Dionisio Calvo in 2007.

Known as "The Big Difference," he was one of the most dominant centers on the court in his era and is considered as the greatest player in Philippine hoops history.

Loyzaga was also a successful coach. In 1964, he became head coach of YCO and Manila Bank Golden Bankers in MICAA and University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP. He also guided the Philippine Men's Basketball Team to win the ABC Championship (now known as the FIBA Asia Cup) in 1967.

He then took his talents to the Philippine Basketball Association, mentored the U-Tex Wranglers from 1975 to 1976 and Tanduay Rhum Makers from 1976 to 1979.

Loyzaga passed away on January 27, 2016. His jersey number 14 was officially retired by his alma mater, San Beda University, during the opening ceremony of NCAA Season 92 on June 25, 2016, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Former national and PBA player Chito Loyzaga paid tribute to those who made possible his father’s inclusion in the elite class.

“On behalf of the Loyzaga family, we would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone who contributed, assisted, and supported the induction of Carlos "Caloy" M. Loyzaga to the FIBA Hall of Fame. Maraming salamat! Mabuhay ang Atletang Pilipino!” Loyzaga said in a statement released following the announcement early this month.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al S. Panlilio, who actively spearheaded the nomination, was profuse in gratitude to FIBA for recognizing Loyzaga’s contribution to international basketball.

“We, in SBP, are greatly honored to have pursued with FIBA the nomination of Caloy Loyzaga to the Hall of Fame,” said Panlilio, recently elected second vice president of FIBA Asia.

“King Caloy, indeed, is the Big Difference. With his incomparable talent, he put Philippine basketball in the world map and left an indelible mark in the global consciousness with his achievements in the international stage.”

Sharing the view is SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios, who was part of the team that pushed for Loyzaga’s inclusion.

“We had formed a committee, chaired by SBP Trustee/Treasurer Ricky Palou, to gather the necessary documentation, including old media articles, that chronicled the colorful career of King Caloy through the years as required by FIBA for all nominees, highlighting how he led the country in international competition,” said Barrios.

This year's prestigious ceremony will be held on August 23 at Sofitel Hotel Manila, a couple of days before the 2023 FIBA World Cup tournament tips off.

Here's the full list of the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inductees:

Players

• Amaya Valdemoro (Spain)
• Yuko Oga (Japan)
• Penny Taylor (Australia)
• Katrina McClain (USA)
• Wlamir Marques (Brazil)
• Yao Ming (China)
• Liem Tjien Siong / Sonny Hendrawan (Indonesia)
• Angelo Monteiro dos Santos Victoriano (Angola)
• Carlos Loyzaga (Philippines)
• Zurab Sakandelidze (Georgia)

Coaches

• Valerie Garnier (France)
• Alessandro Gamba (Italy)