One of the greatest basketball players ever produced by the Philippines passed away early this year but his memory will forever live on.
In the opening of the 92nd Season of the NCAA held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, “The Big Difference” Carlos Loyzaga was remembered by the entire NCAA community in a video tribute before the season hosts, San Beda College, formally retired his number 14 jersey.
“As a token of appreciation, we would like give the jersey with number 14 to the Loyzaga family,” NCAA Chairman Fr. Aloysius Maranan said.
Chito, Teresa, Bing, and Joey Loyzaga, Chito’s children, were on-hand and witnessed the jersey retirement of their father.
“On behalf of the Loyzaga family, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the NCAA board of trustees, the NCAA executive committee, the NCAA community for the recognition you have bestowed to our father Carlos Loyzaga,” Loyzaga’s eldest son Chito said.
The UAAP board member then shared how his father cherished his years as a student-athlete. “Our father cherished his years as a student-athlete. He was deeply honored to represent San Beda College on the NCAA court and these were his most memorable years,” Loyzaga shared. “He also took great pride in being able to serve as an NCAA commissioner and as an NCAA coach.”
“From his playing years, he matured and develop into the athlete that represented our country in two international competitions, the Melbourne and the Helsinki Olympics and four times in the ASEAN Games.”
The family is hoping that their father’s legacy and work lives on even if the legend had passed. “It is our family’s humble wish that his life on and off the court, discipline and humble, as one who taught to contribute with honesty and integrity to the advancement of the NCAA and that he can continue to motivate and inspire the next generation of NCAA athletes,” he hoped.
“We hope that you will remember him as one who loved his country above his personal ambition and as one who loved his teammates as his own family.”
Loyzaga closed in extending his family’s gratitude to the NCAA community. “We are deeply grateful to the NCAA’s gesture of retiring his jersey and granting him the honor of being remembered today. Maraming salamat po at mabuhay ang NCAA,” Chito closed on behalf of the Loyzaga family.
