The Big Difference

Yesterday, I read a column of Manolo Inigo of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He wrote about Carlos Loyzaga.

And suddenly I remembered the “Big Difference” and his continuing presence in Philippine basketball history. I recount the old MICCA days, the predecessor of the PBA. I remember my favorite team, Mariwasa, who had a young lady at its manager. She was Nikki Coseteng, daughter of the late Emerson Coseteng.

I remember players like Yoyong Martirez (running fast across the court), Atoy Co (with his Beatle’s haircut), Mom Fernandez, Adriano Papa (who could shoot beyond the three-point area even before there was the arc), David Regullano (with his famous black rubber shoes) and Robert Jaworski (with his famous number 7 jersey).

But among all the top players, nobody beats what Caloy Loyzaga has achieved for flag and country.He was born August 29, 1930 in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. He was first called “The Big Difference” by sportscaster Willie Hernandez.

He led the Philippine National team to a Bronze Medal finish in the 1954 FIBA World Championship and was named to the Mythical Team of that tournament. This third place finish remains the highest finish of any Asian team in the history of the tournament. And it looks like it will never be repeated or broken. Our team just lost the FIBA qualifying tournament.

Before Caloy could be a Thomasian player, Coach Fely Felicisimo Fajardo, took him to San Beda where Fely polished his playing style and then shined in the NCAA.

He also played for the Yco Painters during MICCA (Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association) from 1954 to 1956.
He was a two-time Olympian (Helsinki,1952 and the 1956 Melbourne, 1956) and led the national team to winning four consecutive Asian Games gold medals and two consecutive FIBA Asia Championships. After his playing years, he turned to coaching by coaching the Philippine team during the 1967 ABC tournament and earning 13th place during 1968 Mexico Olympics.

Manolo Iñigo writes, “There is no question that Carlos “Caloy” Loyzaga is the greatest Filipino basketball player in history” I agree.