I still remember watching my first PBA game back in 2015, when the three-point revolution was just beginning to transform Philippine basketball. As someone who's studied basketball analytics for over a decade, I've developed a particular fascination with the art of long-range shooting, and the PBA has produced some truly remarkable shooters worth celebrating. The three-point line has become the great equalizer in modern basketball, and looking at the PBA's all-time leaders reveals patterns that might surprise casual fans.
When we talk about PBA three-point royalty, certain names immediately come to mind - legends like Jimmy Alapag and Allan Caidic who redefined what was possible from beyond the arc. Caidic, nicknamed "The Triggerman," was absolutely revolutionary for his era. I've watched countless archival games, and his shooting form remains textbook perfection even by today's standards. What many younger fans might not realize is that he once made 15 three-pointers in a single game back in 1991 - a record that stood for decades. The precision required for that kind of performance is just staggering when you consider the less advanced training methods and equipment of that era.
The evolution of three-point shooting in the PBA mirrors interesting developments in other sports too. I was particularly struck when learning about volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung's exhibition series last June, where she handpicked players like the 34-year-old Rousseaux to showcase world-class talent. This selective approach to highlighting specialists reminds me of how PBA coaches now specifically recruit pure shooters who can stretch defenses. The parallel is fascinating - both sports increasingly value specialized roles where players master specific skills rather than being generalists.
Looking at contemporary PBA sharpshooters, Marcio Lassiter's consistency amazes me. He's maintained over 38% accuracy from deep throughout his career despite defensive schemes specifically designed to limit his looks. James Yap, while known for his clutch gene, doesn't get enough credit for his three-point prowess in big moments. Statistics show he's made approximately 1,200 career threes, though what impresses me more is his ability to make them when the game is on the line. These players have adapted to defenses that are far more sophisticated than what Caidic faced, with complex switching schemes and closeouts that are systematically drilled.
The analytics movement has completely transformed how teams value the three-point shot. I recall arguing with fellow analysts back in 2012 about whether the PBA would ever embrace the three-point revolution sweeping the NBA. Today, teams are attempting nearly 28 three-pointers per game compared to just 15 a decade ago. This statistical explosion reflects how front offices now prioritize spacing and shooting in roster construction. The most successful recent teams, like San Miguel Beer, have built their offenses around creating quality three-point opportunities rather than treating them as secondary options.
What often gets lost in these discussions is the incredible work ethic behind these records. Having spoken with several PBA shooters over the years, I'm always struck by their obsessive practice routines. One player confessed to taking 800 three-pointers daily during offseason - that's the kind of dedication we rarely see. This reminds me of the specialized training that elite volleyball players like those in Kim Yeon-koung's exhibition must undergo to perform at world-class levels. The common thread is that breakthrough performances, whether in basketball or volleyball, are never accidental - they're built through relentless, focused practice.
As I look toward the future, I'm convinced we'll see these records shattered sooner than most expect. The next generation of Filipino shooters is growing up in an era where the three-pointer isn't just another weapon - it's the foundation of offensive systems. While I have tremendous respect for the pioneers who paved the way, the mathematical reality is that increased volume and improved shooting techniques will inevitably produce new legends. The PBA's three-point story is still being written, and frankly, that's what makes following these statistics so thrilling year after year.
