2025-11-17 12:00
by
nlpkak
When I first started covering the PBA back in the early 2000s, everyone in the press box would argue about who truly deserved the title of best three-point shooter in league history. We'd debate while watching warm-ups, during timeouts, even over post-game beers. The hard part was putting together that championship bout of statistics, memorable performances, and pure shooting artistry to crown just one player. After two decades of watching these marksmen from courtside seats, I've developed some strong opinions on this debate that I want to share with you today.
Let me take you back to 2013, when I witnessed James Yap drain eight three-pointers in a single finals game against San Mig Coffee. The net barely moved each time the ball swished through - that's how pure his shooting was that night. He finished with 34 points, and what struck me wasn't just the number but the timing. Every three-pointer came when his team needed momentum, when the opponent was building a run. That's what separates good shooters from legendary ones - the clutch gene. Statistics show Yap made approximately 1,200 three-pointers throughout his career with a 38% success rate from beyond the arc, though I'd argue his percentage in crucial moments was probably closer to 45%. The way he'd create space with that subtle footwork, the high release point that made his shot nearly unblockable - these are the details that don't always show up in stat sheets but define greatness.
Then there's Allan Caidic, the man they call "The Triggerman." Older fans still get emotional talking about his record-setting 17 three-pointers in a single game back in 1991. I've watched that footage dozens of times, and what amazes me isn't just the volume but the variety. Catch-and-shoots, step-backs, off-screen releases - he had the complete arsenal before the three-point line became the weapon it is today. His career three-point percentage of approximately 42% remains arguably the gold standard in PBA history, though modern analytics might question the defensive pressure he faced compared to today's standards. Still, when I interview current players about the shooting legends they admire, Caidic's name comes up more often than you'd expect for someone who played in the 90s.
What about Jimmy Alapag? The "Mighty Mouse" redefined what was possible for smaller guards in the PBA. I remember specifically his performance in the 2013 Commissioner's Cup finals where he hit five consecutive three-pointers in the third quarter, completely shifting the game's momentum. His shooting range was ridiculous - I'm talking 30 feet out without hesitation. Alapag made approximately 1,100 three-pointers throughout his career with about a 39% success rate. But numbers don't capture how he'd pull up from what felt like half-court when the shot clock was winding down. Those shots weren't just points - they were psychological daggers that deflated entire defenses.
The hard part of comparing these legends is that they played in different eras with different styles. Caidic operated in an era where the three-pointer was more of a specialty weapon, while Yap and Alapag played when it became integral to offensive systems. Defense has evolved too - today's close-outs are faster, defenders are longer, and schemes are more sophisticated against shooters. When I look at Caidic's highlights, I see more uncontested shots than what modern shooters typically get. But then I watch his form - that picture-perfect release that would be effective in any era - and I think maybe he'd adapt just fine to today's game.
If you forced me to pick one, I'd probably lean toward James Yap, though I know that's not the popular choice among traditionalists. What seals it for me is the combination of volume, efficiency, and clutch performance. Yap's ability to hit contested threes in playoff situations, his skill at creating his own shot without needing plays called for him, and that smooth release that looks the same whether it's the first quarter or final seconds - these elements combine to create the complete shooting package. I've seen him hit game-winners with hands in his face that still baffle me when I rewatch the tapes.
The championship bout between these shooting greats will continue in bars and among fans for generations. Each brought something unique to the game, each redefined what was possible from beyond the arc in their time. But when I close my eyes and think about the most impactful, most reliable, most breathtaking three-point shooter I've been privileged to watch all these years, my mind keeps returning to Yap's effortless release and uncanny ability to deliver when everything was on the line. The statistics matter, the records matter, but sometimes you have to trust what your eyes have seen over hundreds of games. And my eyes tell me that title belongs to James Yap.
