A forgotten hero of Philippine basketball

One young sportswriter asked this reporter during the shoot around before the Ginebra San Miguel-Purefoods game of the well-attended

PBA Legends at the Araneta Coliseum.

The guy was pointing at Joey Loyzaga, who he even doubted whether the latter really belongs to the group that included the more illustrious Robert Jaworski, Ramon Fernandez, Alvin Patrimonio, Jerry Codinera and other PBA luminaries , who represented teams of San Miguel, Ginebra, Purefoods and Alaska in the four-team classic presented by the PBA Legends Foundation.

“Of course, he’s a legend in his own right,” this writer assured the doubting Thomas. He, not only played in the PBA, but in the amateur rank as well, he even represented the Philippines in several international competitions.” as one of the two rookies signed by Gold Eagle Beer (San Miguel). When the SMC franchise took a leave of absence in the 1986 PBA season, Loyzaga found his way with what to become the league’s most popular team - Ginebra and became teammates with older brother Chito Loyzaga.

The Loyzaga brothers, sons of Philippine basketball’s ‘ Big Difference’ Carlos Loyzaga, won two championships together with Ginebra, then carrying the banner Anejo Rum 65ers.

Joey’s most memorable performance as a 65ers was during the 1988 PBA All Filipino Finals when he played the hero’s

against Purefoods.

them on crucial moments as he topscored for his team to give Anejo a 1-0 lead, 111-105.