Loyzaga named fourth MBA commissioner

Chito Loyzaga is the new commissioner of the Metropolitan Basketball Association.

Santi Araneta, chairman of the Multi-Regional Basketball Inc., made the announcement the other day after Loyzaga, one of the best all-around players the country has produced, formally accepted the offer.

"The MBA board welcome a good leader like Chito. We believe he’ll be able to steer the league to greater heights," said Araneta, owner of 2001 national titlist LBC Batangas Blades.

Loyzaga said: "I‘ve always believed in the regional concept. I am excited to be part of the sport that is close to my heart. I will use my position to contribute to the development of basketball in the country."

The 43-year-old Loyzaga spent 12 seasons playing with Toyota, Tanduay, Great Taste and Ginebra in the PBA where he posted career-average of 9.3 points and 4.4 rebounds. He was a seven-time member of the all-defensive team and also reached the 5,000-point, 500-assist plateau.

Chito is the oldest son of Caloy "The Big Difference" Loyzaga, who was named Greatest Filipino Basketball Player of all-time during the league inaugurals in Lingayen, Pangasinan in 1998.

The younger Loyzaga, a product of San Beda College, replaced Butch Antonio, who resigned to pursue a new career. Ramon Fernandez was the first commissioner followed by Atty. Ogie Narvasa.

Ramon Tuason, MBA director for marketing and business development, said the appointment of Loyzaga coupled with the entry of National Broadcasting Network Channel 4 reflects the newfound stability of the league, which is revering to its original concept of grassroots development.

Loyzaga, a burly 6-foot-2 who played center-forward-guard, signed a three-year contract.