Loyzaga elected PBL chairman

Chito Loyzaga, son of arguably the greatest player Philippine basketball ever produced, has been elected the new chairman of the Philippine Basketball League (PBL).

The development was warmly welcomed by team owners, believing the former pro player’s vast experience would help sustain the growth of the league.

Loyzaga’s enthusiasm and passion to the sport, coupled with the youthful energy of commissioner Chino Trinidad, are expected to steer the country’s premier amateur league, now on its 24th season, to greater heights amidst the hard times besetting the country.

"I’m happy with the trust and confidence they (the Board of Directors) have given me. I will do everything to help the league sustain its popularity and whatever success it gained in the past," said Loyzaga, a member of the RP team that finished runner-up to China in the 1990 Beijing Games.

The newly-elected league chairman is the eldest son of former cage great Caloy "The Big Difference" Loyzaga.

Though he’s not promising anything, Loyzaga, who shot to prominence during his stint with Ginebra San Miguel in the pro league where he was known for his rock-solid defense, is looking forward to another blockbuster season.

And just like in previous years, Loyzaga, representative of Magnolia Dairy Ice Cream to the Board, is hoping the coming conference — the 2006 PBL Heroes Cup — would serve its purpose well which is to provide total entertainment to the league’s legion of fans and be home to thousands of budding players.

"Though we’re not charging any fee, we hope to give our fans total entertainment para di naman masayang ang effort nila sa pagpunta sa mga venues natin," said Loyzaga, who played for 11 years in the pro league.

Loyzaga is also hoping more teams will take part in the league in order for more players to be given the chance to showcase their skills and earn something for their family.

"The league is a perfect place for players on the rise and it is just proper to give them the opportunity to shine," said Loyzaga. "We hope we could lure more teams in the future."

Loyzaga, 47, succeeded Raymond Yu, the amiable team owner of Welcoat Paints.

"Mr. Chito Loyzaga is a hard-working fellow so with him around, we’re sure he would make a difference," said Yu. "The chairmanship is being rotated among regular members of the league para may fresh ideas ang liga natin."

Loyzaga, who also had a brief stint as team manager of San Miguel prior to his appointment as Governor of Magnolia, said he’s happy with the success the league is reaping right now and vowed to fully cooperate with the Commissioner’s office.

"We’re 100% behind Commissioner Trinidad. All we have to do right now is continue helping the league sustain its success," said Loyzaga