As the excitement builds for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, basketball enthusiasts around the world eagerly anticipate the prestigious induction ceremony for the FIBA Hall of Fame.
The event which takes place on the eve of August 23 promises to shine a spotlight on the phenomenal achievements of some of the greatest players and coaches in basketball history.
This year’s class includes esteemed representatives from the tournament’s host nations: the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan.
One name that resonates deeply within Philippine basketball history is the late Carlos Loyzaga, widely regarded as the greatest player the country has ever produced. With his exceptional skills and leadership, Loyzaga led the Philippines to a bronze medal in the 1954 World Cup and secured four gold medals at the Asian Games.
In recognition of his immense contributions to the sport, Loyzaga will be posthumously inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.
Joining Loyzaga in this illustrious class is Sonny Hendrawan, the Indonesian scoring machine who earned the title of 1967 Asia Cup MVP.
Another legendary figure from the host nation of Japan, Yuko Oga will also be inducted.
Headlining this year’s class are three icons who have left an indelible mark on the basketball world.
Yao Ming, the towering Chinese superstar, will be honored for his incredible achievements, particularly his standout performance in the 2006 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where he finished as the top scorer. Yao made history as the first international player to be selected as the overall number one pick in the NBA draft, becoming a global ambassador for the sport during his remarkable career as an eight-time NBA All-Star.
Wlamir Marques, a beloved figure not only in Brazil but across the globe, will also be recognized for his astonishing skills that graced numerous major tournaments. Marques is hailed as one of the greatest Brazilian basketball players of all time, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Meanwhile, double Olympian and former FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup champion Penny Taylor takes center stage for the female entrants.
The class of ’23 also includes Angelo Monteiro dos Santos Victoriano, a revered figure from Angola who lifted the AfroBasket trophy an impressive eight times. Additionally, Zurab Sakandelidze of Georgia will be honored posthumously for his illustrious career, which saw him win over ten international medals, including gold at the Olympic Games and the World Cup.
Recognizing the immense contributions of female athletes to the game, the FIBA Hall of Fame will also welcome two exceptional players.
Katrina McClain, a two-time World Champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist from the United States, will be honored alongside Amaya Valdemoro, a Women’s EuroBasket 2013 champion from Spain.
Furthermore, the distinguished group of inductees includes two renowned coaches.
Valerie Garnier of France, who guided her national team to five second-place finishes at EuroBasket, will join the ranks of basketball’s coaching elite.
Alessandro Gamba, who led Italy to a second-place finish at the 1980 Olympic Games and secured three EuroBasket medals, including a gold in 1983, will also be enshrined.
