Who Truly Holds the Title of Best 3 Pointer in PBA History?

When people ask me about the greatest shooters in PBA history, I always smile because this debate has been raging for decades. As someone who's followed Philippine basketball since the 90s, I've witnessed legends come and go, each leaving their mark on the game. But the question remains: Who truly holds the title of best 3-pointer in PBA history?

What makes a great three-point shooter beyond just percentages?

You see, it's not just about hitting open shots. The truly great ones make them when it matters most - in championship situations where every possession counts. I remember watching countless games where the outcome hinged on a single three-pointer. The hard part was putting together that championship bout between pure shooters and clutch performers. Some players had beautiful forms and high percentages during elimination rounds, but couldn't deliver when the lights were brightest. That's why when we discuss "Who Truly Holds the Title of Best 3 Pointer in PBA History," we need to consider both consistency and clutch performance.

Which players immediately come to mind in this conversation?

Oh, there are several legendary names that basketball fans would recognize instantly. Allan Caidic, of course - they called him "The Triggerman" for good reason. Then there's Jimmy Alapag, whose shooting range seemed limitless. James Yap brought his own flair to the game, while Marcio Lassiter represents the modern era of elite shooting. But here's the thing - having watched all these players throughout their careers, I can tell you that statistics only tell part of the story. The hard part was putting together that championship bout between different eras and playing styles. Caidic's record-setting 17 three-pointers in a single game back in 1991 remains one of those magical moments that younger fans probably can't fully appreciate without context.

How do championship performances factor into this debate?

This is where it gets really interesting for me. I've always believed that great shooters prove their worth when championships are on the line. Take Jimmy Alapag's performance during Talk 'N Text's championship runs - his three-point shooting wasn't just about percentage, but about timing. The hard part was putting together that championship bout between statistical excellence and game-changing moments. I recall one particular finals game where Alapag hit five three-pointers in the second half, completely shifting the momentum. That's the kind of performance that makes you think, "Okay, this guy might actually be the answer to Who Truly Holds the Title of Best 3 Pointer in PBA History."

What about the evolution of three-point shooting in the PBA?

The game has changed so much since I started watching. In the early days, the three-point line felt like a novelty - something teams used occasionally rather than as a fundamental part of their offense. Today, it's completely different. Modern players like RR Pogoy and Matthew Wright have transformed how teams approach perimeter shooting. The hard part was putting together that championship bout between old-school shooters who mastered fundamentals and new-generation marksmen who shoot from NBA range. Personally, I miss the artistry of players like Caidic, who had that picture-perfect form, but you can't deny the effectiveness of today's shooters who launch from anywhere.

Does longevity matter in this discussion?

Absolutely, and this is where my personal bias might show. I value consistency over flashy one-season wonders. When we ask "Who Truly Holds the Title of Best 3 Pointer in PBA History," we should consider players who maintained elite shooting throughout their careers. The hard part was putting together that championship bout between peak performance and career sustainability. Allan Caidic shot 38.9% from deep over his 13-year PBA career - remarkable consistency in an era where the three-pointer wasn't as emphasized. Compare that to Marcio Lassiter's current career percentage of around 36.8% across 12 seasons, and you see why this debate gets complicated.

What role does difficulty of shots play?

This might be my favorite aspect of the discussion. There's a huge difference between hitting open corner threes and creating your own shot against tight defense. The hard part was putting together that championship bout between volume shooters and efficiency experts. James Yap, for instance, mastered the art of difficult shots - fading away, stepping back, shooting over taller defenders. I've lost count of how many times I've seen him sink contested threes in crucial moments. Meanwhile, players like RenRen Ritualo specialized in coming off screens and hitting with lightning-quick releases. Both styles have merit, but when determining "Who Truly Holds the Title of Best 3 Pointer in PBA History," I tend to favor those who could create their own shots.

How do we account for different eras and rule changes?

This is the million-peso question that often gets overlooked. The three-point line has moved, defensive rules have changed, and the physicality of the game has evolved significantly. The hard part was putting together that championship bout between players from different generations under varying conditions. Caidic's era allowed more physical defense, while today's players benefit from stricter rules protecting shooters. Still, when I watch old tapes and compare them to modern games, I'm convinced that great shooting transcends era differences. The fundamentals remain the same - footwork, balance, follow-through.

So, who ultimately gets your vote?

After all these years of watching, analyzing, and sometimes arguing about this very topic, I keep coming back to Allan Caidic. The hard part was putting together that championship bout between my heart and my head, because emotionally I'm drawn to different players for various reasons. But objectively, Caidic's combination of volume, efficiency, clutch performance, and longevity gives him the edge. His 17 three-pointer game wasn't just a fluke - it was the culmination of countless hours of practice and innate shooting talent. So when people ask me "Who Truly Holds the Title of Best 3 Pointer in PBA History," I have to go with "The Triggerman," though I'll always acknowledge that basketball evolves and future generations may produce someone even greater.