TIME to mark an important date in Philippine Basketball.
It is sixty years ago when the Philippines beat France, 66-60, to clinch the bronze medal in the 1954 World Basketball Championships in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, which to date still stands as the best ever finish of any Asian country in the prestigious tournament now referred to as the Fiba World Cup.
Carlos 'The Great DiIfference' Loyzaga, regarded as one of the best utility players of all time, again stood as the anchor of the balanced Philippine attack as he topscored with 19 points. Mariao Tolentino added 13 while Rafael Barreto chipped in 10 points.
Loyzaga was later named to the All World's Mythical Selection.
I find it strange that many in this current generation have little or no regard at all for our nation's rich history. Same goes for our rich sports history. Only a handful seem to care.
I just hope it's a case of being uninformed. But from time to time, it is but right that we be reminded of our glorious past.
This reminds me of what American composer Quincy Jones once said to Kareem Abdul Jabbar about history.
Mr. Jones said:"History isn't about showcasing the differnces between us and those who lived before us so that we can feel superior; it's about revealing the similarities so we can feel gratitude and humility."
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
