As I was digging through basketball archives last week, I stumbled upon something that made me pause - the fascinating journey of athletes like Rousseaux, who at 34 was handpicked for that special exhibition series featuring world volleyball stars hosted by Kim Yeon-koung last June. It got me thinking about how we measure greatness in sports, particularly in the Philippine Basketball Association's three-point shooting legacy. Having followed the PBA for over fifteen years, I've developed my own perspective on what makes a truly legendary shooter beyond just the numbers.
When we talk about PBA three-point royalty, the conversation naturally starts with Allan Caidic. I remember watching his record-breaking 17 three-pointers in a single game back in 1991 - that performance alone cemented his status as the undisputed king. His career total of 1,242 three-pointers stood for decades, and in my opinion, nobody has ever made shooting look more effortless. What many fans don't realize is that Caidic achieved most of his records during an era without the specialized training facilities today's players enjoy. Then there's Jimmy Alapag, who retired with 1,250 career three-pointers. I've always admired how he transformed himself from a pass-first point guard into one of the most feared shooters in league history. His shooting percentage of 38.7% from beyond the arc during the 2011 season remains one of my personal favorite statistical achievements.
The modern era has brought us new legends like Marcio Lassiter, who's currently sitting at 1,089 three-pointers and climbing. Watching him develop his shot has been incredible - he's incorporated elements from international basketball that we rarely saw in earlier PBA seasons. James Yap, though more famous for his mid-range game, has quietly accumulated 987 three-pointers throughout his career. What fascinates me about these shooters is how their career trajectories mirror stories like Rousseaux's late-career recognition. At 34, being selected for that prestigious volleyball exhibition alongside global stars, Rousseaux demonstrated that peak performance isn't always about youth - similarly, many PBA shooters have produced their best numbers well into their thirties.
Looking at the statistical landscape, I've noticed something interesting about shooting efficiency versus volume. While Caidic's records are impressive, today's players are shooting at higher percentages due to improved training methods. The league average for three-point percentage has climbed from 31.2% in the early 2000s to nearly 35.8% in recent seasons. This evolution reminds me of how sports globally are becoming more specialized - much like how Rousseaux was specifically chosen for that exhibition series because of her unique skills that complemented other stars.
In my view, the true measure of these shooters goes beyond mere numbers. It's about their impact during crucial moments, their ability to reinvent their shooting form as they age, and how they've inspired younger players. The PBA's three-point leaders represent not just statistical excellence but the enduring appeal of players who excel in their specialized roles. Just as Rousseaux's selection at 34 proves that recognition can come at any career stage, the PBA's all-time three-point leaders show us that shooting greatness isn't just about physical prime but about consistency, adaptation, and that magical ability to deliver when everyone's watching.
