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?
Father and son could have been the first tandem in the 47-year existence of the professional Philippine Basketball Association league to see action in the same season – if not play together on the same floor.
Up two to one in the finals of the five-team Third Conference (Invitational) against Great Taste Coffee Makers, the tradition-steeped Crispa Redmanizers were poised to romp away with their 14th title in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) history.
It was to be an enchanting Lovers Day get-together. Ouch, it was not to be. There were no lollipops and roses on Valentine’s Day of 1984 for players and team staff of the Toyota Super Corollas (Tamaraws) who were told of the shocking news of the disbandment of the Delta Motors franchise in the PBA after a nine-year stay in the pro league during a team gathering for what was supposed to be a happy occasion for all.
A year from now, the Philippines will co-host the 19th edition of the FIBA World Cup (formerly known as the World Basketball Championship before being renamed as such in 2014)) with Japan and Indonesia. With the hosting rights, the country is automatically seeded to the 32-nation quadrennial competitions.
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