Historic Mexican Former Basketball Player Manuel Raga Enters FIBA Hall of Fame

Former Mexican basketball player Manuel Raga has become the first Mexican to be inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame. The announcement was made today during a ceremony where Nigerian Olawuyon and Australian Michele Timms were also inducted.

Raga remembered his early days in basketball during the 1967 World Championship, where he led Mexico to victory over the Italian national team. He later showcased his talent at the Mexico Olympics.

Despite not having a place in the NBA, Raga was the first Mexican basketball player to be drafted into the league. In 1970, he was selected by the Atlanta Hawks, but he chose to move to Italy instead, where he became a starter for Pallacanestro Vallase.

As the first Mexican to enter the Hall of Fame, Raga has participated in three Olympic Games, scoring double digits in 17 out of the 23 games he played for the national team during the Olympics.