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A special ceremony for a worthy personality.
Filipino basketball great Antonio “Tony” Genato, a member of the national team that won bronze in the 1954 FIBA World Championship, had his jersey retired on Sunday, September 20.
In a virtual function attended by several of his family members, the 91-year-old Genato saw his No. 13 jersey lifted into the rafters of the Bahay Alamat court in Valenzuela City.
A marker bearing his name and his achievements, which includes playing in the 1952 and 1956 Olympics, was also unveiled.
The only known living member of that historic crew, which achieved the highest finish by an Asian team in the Worlds, Genato remembered fondly how the Philippines stood neck and neck with the best basketball nations.
“Every team was afraid of the Philippines. They saw our potential and we knew what basketball was all about,” Genato said.
Bannered by Caloy Loyzaga, who made the All-Tournament Team, the Philippines beat the likes of France and Canada and lost only to the USA and Brazil to clinch the bronze medal.
Genato made his presence felt for the Philippines, scoring a personal tournament-high 13 points against Paraguay and 12 points against Canada.
Despite his age, Genato looked in good shape as he addressed questions from the media, recalling what transpired nearly 7 decades ago as if they just happened yesterday.
“I just do whatever is necessary to do. I love life. That keeps me going,” Genato said of his long life.
Valenzuela second district congressman Eric Martinez headed the jersey retirement. – Rappler.com
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