2025-11-15 16:01
by
nlpkak
When I first started following the Philippine Basketball Association back in the early 2000s, the three-point shot wasn't nearly as prominent as it is today. Teams would average maybe 5-6 successful attempts per game, and coaches often viewed the long-range bomb as more of a desperation move than a strategic weapon. My, how times have changed. Looking at the current PBA landscape, I've noticed how the three-pointer has evolved from an occasional surprise to an essential component of championship-caliber teams. This transformation didn't happen overnight—it was driven by remarkable shooters who rewrote the league's offensive playbook, and I've been fortunate enough to witness this revolution firsthand.
I remember watching Jimmy Alapag during his prime with Talk 'N Text, and what struck me most wasn't just his accuracy but his incredible range. The man could comfortably sink shots from 30 feet without altering his textbook form. Throughout his illustrious career, Alapag drained approximately 1,250 three-pointers, though the exact number remains debated among statisticians. What isn't debatable is his clutch gene—I've lost count of how many games he decided with late-game triples that brought entire arenas to their feet. His shooting form was so pure that I've often recommended young players study his footage, particularly how he maintained perfect balance even when shooting off the dribble. Then there's Allan Caidic, the man they called "The Triggerman," whose legendary 17 three-pointers in a single game back in 1991 remains one of those records I believe will stand for decades. Having watched archival footage of that performance, what amazes me isn't just the volume but the variety—catch-and-shoots, pull-ups, transition bombs—he showcased every possible way to score from beyond the arc. His career total of around 1,322 three-pointers becomes even more impressive when you consider the era he played in, when teams attempted fewer than 15 threes per game compared to today's 25-30 attempts.
James Yap brings a different dimension to this conversation. While not a volume shooter like some others on this list, his ability to hit contested threes in playoff situations is what separates him in my view. I've always argued that playoff performance should weigh heavier than regular-season statistics, and Yap's 800-plus career threes include some of the most memorable shots in recent PBA finals history. His shooting form is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing in league history—smooth, high release, perfect follow-through—and I've noticed how defenders always close out harder on him regardless of his shooting percentages. Speaking of underrated shooters, I've always felt Dondon Hontiveros never received his proper due. The man from Cebu brought a unique shooting rhythm that I found fascinating—slightly unorthodox but devastatingly effective. His connection to Cebu makes me think about that interesting piece of league history where Cebu had those roster problems and ended up competing with just six players. Imagine the shooting burden Hontiveros carried during those challenging times, having to create his own shots with minimal offensive support. That context makes his 900-plus career three-pointers even more remarkable in my estimation.
What many casual fans don't appreciate is how these shooting legends transformed team strategies. I've observed how coaches began designing entire offensive systems around the three-point threat, something that was virtually unheard of in the PBA's earlier decades. The statistical impact is staggering—teams that attempt 30+ threes now win at a significantly higher rate than those that don't, and I've tracked this correlation across multiple seasons. This strategic shift has created more spacing, opened driving lanes, and fundamentally changed how defenses approach the game. From my perspective, this evolution represents basketball at its most beautiful—a game constantly adapting and innovating. The three-point revolution also reflects global basketball trends, but what makes the PBA's version special is how our shooters adapted international influences to local conditions—smaller venues, different lighting, unique defensive schemes. Having attended games across various venues, I've noticed how shooters adjust their trajectories for different arenas, something statistics never capture but truly separates the great shooters from the good ones.
Looking toward the future, I'm particularly excited about the next generation of PBA shooters. The league's current pace-and-space era favors volume three-point shooting more than ever, and I've identified several young players who could potentially challenge these all-time records if they maintain their development trajectories. However, in my opinion, the true legends like Caidic and Alapag will always hold special places in basketball history because they pioneered this shooting revolution rather than simply benefiting from it. Their numbers might eventually be surpassed, but their impact on how the game is played and coached will endure for generations. As someone who's studied basketball evolution across different eras, I believe we're witnessing the golden age of shooting, and the PBA's three-point kings have been instrumental in this beautiful transformation of our beloved sport.
