2025-11-12 15:01
by
nlpkak
As I sit down to map out the complete 2017 PBA Tour schedule, I can't help but reflect on how pivotal this particular season was for Philippine basketball. Having followed the league for over a decade, I've noticed certain patterns emerge when teams transition from preseason tournaments to the official Philippine Cup. What struck me most about the 2017 season was how teams like NLEX seemed to find their rhythm early on, particularly when you look at their performance in the Davao tournament. I remember watching that game where they went 18-of-34 from beyond the arc – that's 52.9% for those counting – and thinking this could fundamentally change their approach to the entire Philippine Cup.
The 2017 PBA calendar kicked off in typical fashion with the Philippine Cup running from January to March, followed by the Commissioner's Cup from April to July, and wrapping up with the Governors' Cup from August to October. What made this season particularly interesting was how teams used preseason tournaments as testing grounds for strategies they'd deploy in the official competitions. I've always believed that preseason performances can be misleading, but in NLEX's case, their three-point shooting in Davao – those 18 successful attempts out of 34 tries – wasn't just a fluke. It demonstrated a systematic approach to perimeter shooting that would become their signature weapon throughout the Philippine Cup. The way they spaced the floor and created open looks reminded me of modern NBA offenses, though adapted to the PBA's unique physical style.
Looking back at the tournament dates, the Philippine Cup semifinals in late February provided the perfect stage for NLEX to demonstrate how their preseason shooting form translated to high-pressure situations. I recall discussing with fellow analysts whether their three-point reliance was sustainable, especially against defensive powerhouses like San Miguel. The numbers didn't lie though – teams that shot above 35% from deep during that season tended to advance deeper into the playoffs. NLEX's transformation into a perimeter-oriented team was particularly fascinating because it went against the conventional PBA wisdom of pounding the ball inside. Their 34 attempts from beyond the arc in that Davao game wasn't just high – it was revolutionary for Philippine basketball at that time.
The mid-season Commissioner's Cup brought international flavor with imported players, but what stayed consistent was NLEX's commitment to their shooting identity. Having covered numerous PBA seasons, I've rarely seen a team so dramatically alter their playing style between conferences. While other teams focused on adjusting to their imports, NLEX maintained their shooting principles, though with mixed results. Personally, I believe they might have over-relied on the three-pointer during crucial moments of the Commissioner's Cup – there were games where they attempted 30+ threes but only converted around 10-12. Still, you have to admire their commitment to a system that they clearly developed during that preseason Davao tournament.
As the season progressed into the Governors' Cup, the tournament dates became increasingly compressed with back-to-back games becoming common. This is where NLEX's shooting-heavy approach showed both its strengths and limitations. The fatigue factor during the August to October stretch meant their shooting percentages naturally dipped – I remember tracking their three-point percentage dropping from about 36% in the Philippine Cup to around 32% by the Governors' Cup semifinals. Yet their willingness to stick with what worked in preseason demonstrated a coaching philosophy I've come to respect, even if I don't always agree with it.
What many fans might not realize is how much preseason tournaments like the Davao competition influence team strategies for the entire season. That 18-of-34 shooting performance wasn't just a statistical anomaly – it became the foundation of NLEX's identity throughout 2017. Having analyzed basketball strategies for years, I've seen how single games can transform a team's approach, and NLEX's case stands out as particularly memorable. Their confidence from beyond the arc, even during losing stretches, showed a level of conviction that's rare in Philippine basketball.
The 2017 season ultimately taught me that preseason performances can indeed forecast regular season strategies, though not always with consistent results. NLEX's journey from that Davao tournament through all three conferences demonstrated how a team could build an identity around a specific skill set. While I would have liked to see them develop more offensive variety as the season progressed, their commitment to three-point shooting made for compelling basketball and added a new dimension to PBA tactics. The complete 2017 schedule provided the perfect canvas for this strategic evolution to unfold across multiple tournaments and venues, creating one of the more memorable seasons in recent PBA history.
