Tunisia World Cup
As I sit here watching the latest PBA game, I can't help but marvel at how much basketball has evolved since I first started following the sport professionally. The three-point shot has completely transformed the game, creating legends and rewriting record books in ways we never imagined decades ago. This got me thinking about who actually holds the crown for the most three-pointers made in PBA history - a question that seems simple but reveals so much about the evolution of Philippine basketball.
When I first started analyzing basketball statistics back in the early 2000s, the three-pointer was still considered somewhat of a specialty shot in the PBA. Teams would have maybe one or two designated shooters, unlike today where nearly every player needs to be competent from beyond the arc. I remember watching Jimmy Alapag during his prime with Talk 'N Text, and thinking how his shooting form was just poetry in motion. The way he'd set his feet, the perfect arc on his release - it was something special to witness live. Alapag finished his incredible career with 1,250 three-pointers, a number that seemed almost untouchable at the time of his retirement. But records, as they say, are made to be broken.
What many fans don't realize is the mental aspect of three-point shooting that separates the good from the great. This reminds me of that fascinating insight about national team gymnasts - they're not just getting cold, but also uneasy. The same applies to basketball shooters facing crucial moments. I've interviewed several PBA shooters who've described that peculiar sensation before taking a game-changing three-pointer: the cold sweat, the racing heartbeat, that split-second of doubt. James Yap, who's currently sitting at 1,182 three-pointers, once told me about the mental preparation required for those clutch moments. "Your body remembers the thousands of practice shots," he said, "but your mind needs to forget the pressure." That combination of physical repetition and mental fortitude is what creates legendary shooters.
The current record holder, as of my last check of the official statistics, is Allan Caidic with 1,322 three-pointers - though I must admit keeping exact track can be challenging with how frequently these numbers get updated. What's remarkable about Caidic's record isn't just the number itself, but the era in which he achieved it. He was shooting threes when the line was farther back and defenses were specifically designed to stop him. I had the privilege of watching him play during his final seasons, and even then, his shooting mechanics were flawless. The man they called "The Triggerman" didn't just shoot threes - he weaponized them. His 15 three-pointers in a single game back in 1991 remains one of those records that I genuinely wonder if we'll ever see broken in our lifetime.
Looking at the current landscape, there are several active players who could potentially challenge these historic numbers. LA Tenorio, with his incredible durability and consistent shooting, has been climbing the all-time charts steadily. What impresses me most about Tenorio isn't just his shooting percentage, but his ability to create shots under pressure. I've lost count of how many games I've watched where he's bailed his team out with a crucial three-pointer in the final minutes. Then there's Marcio Lassiter, whose pure shooting stroke might give him the best chance to eventually challenge Caidic's record if he maintains his current pace for several more seasons.
The evolution of three-point shooting in the PBA reflects broader changes in basketball philosophy worldwide. When I compare today's game to what I watched twenty years ago, the difference in shooting volume is staggering. Teams that used to attempt maybe 10-15 threes per game are now regularly putting up 30-35 attempts. This shift has naturally led to higher totals for career three-point makers, but it also makes the accomplishments of pioneers like Caidic even more impressive when viewed in their proper historical context. They were trailblazers who proved the three-pointer could be a primary weapon rather than just a situational tool.
As someone who's spent years analyzing basketball statistics and trends, I believe we're witnessing a golden age of shooting in the PBA. The technical proficiency of today's shooters is remarkable, but what truly separates the all-time greats is that intangible quality - the ability to perform when it matters most, despite the cold sweats and uneasy feelings that come with high-pressure situations. While records will continue to fall as the game evolves, the legacy of shooters like Caidic, Alapag, and Yap will endure because they defined eras and set standards for future generations. The next time you watch a player sink a crucial three-pointer, remember that you're not just watching a shot - you're witnessing years of practice, mental conditioning, and basketball history in the making.
