PBA HONORS 5 ALL-TIME GREATS
OF RP BASKETBALL
Manila, Jan. 28, 1998 -
The Philippine Basketball Association opens its 24th season Sunday by honoring
the All-Time Mythical Five of Philippine Basketball.
Voted as the best basketball players of the Philippines in the last 40 years are: Carlos Loyzaga, Narciso Bernardo, Robert Jaworski, Hector Calma and Alvin Patrimonio.
All five made their impact in their respective decades. Loyzaga in the 50s, Bernardo in the 60s, Jaworski in the 70s, Calma in the 80s and Patrimonio in the 90s.
A two-time Olympian, Loyzaga was named one of the world's 10 best players after steering the Philippines to third place at the World Championship in Rio de Janeiro in 1953. He played for the national teams that won four straight Asian Games titles from 1951 to 1962.
Another former Olympian, Bernardo saw action for the Philippine squad that captured the Asian Games crown in Jakarta in 1962.
Jaworski played for the national team in the 1966, 1970 and 1974 Asian Games. In 1973, he anchored the Philippine team that won the ABC title at home.
Calma is considered the most brilliant pointguard in Philippine basketball history. He led the Philippines to the 1982 Asian Youth title.
Patrimonio is valued as the best forward the country ever had. He had led Purefoods to five PBA crowns and has played for the country in the last three Asian Games, including the 1986 Seoul Games.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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