The Philippines first played host to the FIBA World Cup (known as the World Basketball Championship since 2014) during its 8th edition from October 1-14, 1978.
The Philippines first played host to the FIBA World Cup (then known as the FIBA World Basketball Championship) in 1978.
Not known to many, the FIBA World Cup – which was known as the FIBA World Basketball Championship from 1950 to 2010 – endured a humbling beginning.
Explosive scoring by a player in the FIBA World Cup may be hard to come by nowadays but if one goes back to the olden days, there is much to feast on.
![CJ Perez, Kiefer Ravena and Thirdy Ravena of Gilas Pilipinas [FIBA.com photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ravena-400x200.jpg)
The Philippines will host the FIBA World Cup for the second time in its history when the country, along with Japan and Indonesia, co-host the 19th edition from August 25-September 10.
![Caloy Loyzaga [photo: Henry Liao]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/363352961_1472848936863413_3012076405685207807_n-400x200.jpg)
Long before he reached the national consciousness with his all-around dominance in basketball, Class 2023 FIBA Hall of Fame inductee Carlos (Caloy) Loyzaga dabbled in other sports.
A dozen countries were in attendance during the 1954 edition. Seven came from the Americas, three hailed from Europe and two came from Asia – the Philippines and Formosa (Taiwan/now known as Chinese-Taipei.
Unknown to many local hoop fans, the do-it-all 6-3 Loyzaga also was a sought-after prospect even after his Red Lions days were over.
Carlos “Caloy” Loyzaga could well have been a big difference as a Knight in shining armor or even a Thomasian.
How huge was multi-dimensional Carlos (Caloy) Loyzaga, who will be inducted posthumously into the FIBA Hall of Fame next month, during his commercial-club years following his illustrious San Beda College (now University) stint?