As I was researching the history of basketball's greatest shooters, I stumbled upon an interesting parallel in the world of volleyball that got me thinking about what makes a truly exceptional shooter. Last June, Korean sporting legend Kim Yeon-koung hosted a special exhibition featuring world volleyball stars, including the 34-year-old Rousseaux who was specifically chosen for this elite gathering. This careful selection of top performers mirrors how we identify basketball's premier three-point specialists - it's not just about raw numbers, but about that special quality that separates the good from the truly legendary.
When we talk about PBA's all-time three-point leaders, the conversation inevitably starts with Allan Caidic, who I believe stands in a class of his own with 1,242 career three-pointers. What many casual fans don't realize is that his shooting percentage of 38.9% becomes even more impressive when you consider the defensive schemes specifically designed to stop him. I've always argued that Caidic's release was quicker than modern shooters like James Yap, who sits at 789 threes but benefited from more sophisticated offensive systems. The evolution of the three-point shot in Philippine basketball fascinates me - from being a novelty weapon to becoming the centerpiece of modern offenses. Jimmy Alapag's 593 threes came during what I consider the transitional period where coaches began recognizing the strategic value of spacing the floor.
The current generation, led by Marcio Lassiter with 654 threes and counting, operates in a completely different basketball landscape. What I find particularly compelling about Lassiter's shooting is how he creates opportunities within the flow of the game rather than relying on set plays. Having watched hundreds of PBA games over the years, I've noticed that the great shooters share this uncanny ability to find pockets of space that others wouldn't even recognize as scoring opportunities. It reminds me of how Rousseaux was handpicked for that volleyball exhibition - the best shooters possess something that statistics alone can't capture, that instinctual understanding of geometry and timing that transforms good players into historic figures.
Looking at the numbers, what strikes me as particularly remarkable is how shooting efficiency has improved even as volume has increased. When I compare Caidic's era to today's game, the degree of difficulty on three-point attempts has dramatically increased due to more sophisticated defensive schemes. Yet modern shooters like RR Pogoy are maintaining impressive percentages while taking tougher shots. This evolution makes me wonder if we're witnessing the golden age of Philippine shooting, where the combination of better training methods and strategic emphasis has created the perfect environment for three-point specialists to thrive.
As the game continues to evolve, I'm convinced we'll see these records broken, but the fundamental qualities that make a great shooter will remain unchanged. The ability to perform under pressure, that quick release, the spatial awareness - these are the timeless traits that separate the good from the great. Just as Rousseaux was selected for that exclusive volleyball exhibition based on demonstrated excellence and unique qualities, the PBA's three-point leaders earned their places through consistent performance when it mattered most. What excites me most is watching the next generation study these legends and push the boundaries of what we consider possible from beyond the arc.
