by John Louie Ramos

Created on: June 29, 2010

Basketball is undeniably the most popular sport in the Philippines. More so, the sport has been even dubbed as the Filipino pastime. Thus, in each and every town, village or street in the Philippines, a basketball court or two is erected. From the turn of the century in 1900, being introduced by the American Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) to the golden years of Asian dominance and up to the rebuilding stages of today courtesy of the Smart Gilas Pilipinas, basketball has been part of the Filipino life.

Throughout their rich history, the Filipinos have idolized and embraced popular basketball players, who in one way or another have bring pride and recognition to the country.

Nevertheless, the following are four of the greatest Filipino basketball players of all time.

1) Carlos Loyzaga

Carlos Loyzaga, the undersized 6-foot-3 center will always be remembered with the Philippine's bronze medal finish in the 1954 FIBA World Championship. During his time, Loyzaga was even considered by international basketball pugilist as one of the best centers in the world. What Loyzaga lacks in height, he comes up with it with grit and determination.

Loyzaga was also the centerpiece of four straight championships in the Asian games from the 1950s to the early 1960s.

2) Robert Jaworski

In Philippine basketball, there are only two kinds of categorization, those who love Jaworski and those who hate Jaworksi. Hence, Jaworksi is a physical point/off guard who is as fast, smart and dedicated as anyone could get. Jaworksi who holds numerous Philippine Basketball Association records including perhaps the most dominating season ever, averaging 20 points, 12 assists and close to 9 rebounds per game - done in spite of the presence of hulking American imports.

Jaworski was a playing coach who played his final professional game at age 50, before running and winning a senatorial seat.

3) Lauro Mumar

Lauro Mumar or simple "the fox" will always be remembered as the sidekick of Loyzaga during the golden years of Philippine basketball. Known as the fox because of his seemingly cunning ways and uncanny ability to sneak out of his defenders and score even in the most odd angles and situations.

4) Allan Caidic

Allan Caidic is probably the most cold blooded shooter the Philippines have ever produced, Caidic holds the record for most number of points scored in a PBA game, (79) most number of three point shots made in a game, (17) most number of points in a half (53) and most number of points in a quarter (37) all done in a game against San Miguel Beer on November 21, 1991.

Caidic made the amazing feat coming late off the bench, leaving midway through the 4th quarter and in the midst of divided attention as his wife was at the hospital giving birth to their first daughter.

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