The significance or even prestige of the Asian Games – at least in men’s basketball – has diminished through the decades because it carries no automatic qualification to the FIBA World Cup or Summer Olympics.
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.
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?