Filipino basketball legend Carlos Loyzaga to be inducted into FIBA Hall of Fame

Carlos "Caloy" Loyzaga, dubbed as perhaps the best Filipino basketball player to ever play, will further cement his legacy as he is set to be inducted into the 2023 Class of FIBA Hall of Fame.

The enshrinement will take place on August 23 in Manila ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup set to be hosted by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10.

The late Loyzaga, who died in January 2016, was a dominant force during his days. He was a three-time champion in the NCAA, helping San Beda University capture the titles in 1951, 1952, and 1955.

As a national team member, meanwhile, Loyzaga bannered the Philippines in the 1954 FIBA World Championship where the nationals wound up third spot, the highest finish by any Asian team in the global conclave. He was also a two-time Olympian, joining the quadrennial meet in 1952 and 1956.

He also led the Philippines to four gold medals in the Asian Games in 1951, 1954, 1958, and 1962.

Loyzaga will join prominent basketball names in the Hall of Fame with China's Yao Ming and Brazil's Wlamir Marques leading the class alongside Penny Taylor, Sonny Hendrawan, Yuko Oga, Angelo Monteiro dos Santos Victoriano, Zurab Sakandelidze, Katrina McClain, and Amaya Valdemoro. Coaches Valerie Garnier and Alessandro Gamba will also be honored.

With this, Loyzaga became the first Filipino player to be inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame and the second Pinoy overall to be listed in the prestigious list as Dionisio "Chito" Calvo was also hailed in 2007 as a contributor.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News