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

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 players warm up, statistics sheets spread across our laps, cold coffee in hand. The conversation always came back to one undeniable truth: putting together that championship bout between the greats is the hard part because each era brought its own unique sharpshooter with different styles, circumstances, and legendary moments that defined their careers.

I've always believed that statistics only tell part of the story. Sure, we can look at Allan Caidic's incredible 17 three-pointers in a single game back in 1991 - a record that still gives me chills when I think about it - but numbers don't capture the sheer artistry of his release. I was fortunate enough to witness that historic performance firsthand, sitting courtside as he seemingly couldn't miss from anywhere beyond the arc. The crowd's energy built with each successive make, transforming from hopeful cheers to outright disbelief. What made Caidic special wasn't just his accuracy but his ability to create shooting space where none existed. He had this uncanny knack for fading away just enough to get his shot off against taller defenders, his form remaining picture-perfect regardless of how much pressure he faced. His career three-point percentage of approximately 38.7% across 13 seasons doesn't fully convey how he revolutionized outside shooting in the PBA, forcing coaches to develop entirely new defensive schemes specifically designed to limit his impact.

Then there's James Yap, whose clutch shooting in playoff situations still stands out in my memory. I recall specifically the 2006 Philippine Cup finals where he hit five three-pointers in the decisive Game 7, each one more audacious than the last. His shooting mechanics were fundamentally different from Caidic's - more elevation, a higher release point, and that distinctive follow-through that became iconic among young players trying to emulate his form. What separates Yap from other great shooters, in my opinion, is his mental toughness. I've interviewed him multiple times throughout his career, and he always emphasized the psychological aspect of shooting, often saying that "the physical repetition means nothing without the confidence to take the big shot." His career total of around 1,200 three-pointers made places him among the league's all-time leaders, but it's those championship moments that truly define his legacy.

The modern era has brought us shooters like Marcio Lassiter and Roger Pogoy, who benefit from today's pace-and-space philosophy but still face the same pressure when games are on the line. I've noticed how the three-point shot has evolved from being a specialty weapon to an essential component of every offensive set. Lassiter's quick release reminds me of Caidic in his prime - that economical motion that wastes no movement, no extra energy. He's shooting at around a 39.2% clip from deep over his last five seasons, which is remarkable consistency in an era where defenders are more athletic and schemes more sophisticated. Pogoy brings a different dimension altogether with his ability to hit contested threes off movement, something we rarely saw in earlier generations of PBA basketball.

What many fans don't realize is how much the three-point line's distance and defensive rules have changed throughout PBA history, making direct statistical comparisons somewhat problematic. When I look at the shooting percentages from the 80s and 90s, we have to account for the fact that defenders could hand-check and be more physically aggressive on the perimeter. The game was simply different - more interior-focused, with the three-pointer often treated as a secondary option rather than a primary weapon. This context matters when we try to crown an all-time great. Personally, I give extra weight to players who excelled despite these defensive disadvantages, which is why Caidic remains at the top of my personal list.

The development of shooting technique over the decades fascinates me. Early shooters like Caidic relied more on set shots and required more time to get their attempts off. Today's specialists like Lassiter can launch from well beyond the arc with minimal space and time. I've spent hours breaking down game footage from different eras, and the evolution is striking. Modern shooters incorporate more lower body power and can maintain form even when shooting off dribble moves at full speed - skills that were less emphasized in previous generations. Still, I can't help but admire the pure shooting form of the old-school specialists who mastered their craft with less advanced training methods and technology.

At the end of the day, this debate comes down to what we value most in a shooter. Is it pure percentage? Clutch performance? Longevity? Innovation and impact on the game? For me, while I respect all the great shooters who've graced the PBA courts, Allan Caidic's combination of revolutionary impact, iconic moments, and sustained excellence gives him the slightest edge in my book. His record-setting performances, particularly that magical 17-three-pointer game that I was privileged to witness, along with his role in changing how coaches and players viewed the three-point shot, cement his status. The championship bout between eras will continue indefinitely, and that's part of what makes basketball history so compelling - we get to keep having these conversations as new stars emerge and add their chapters to this ongoing story.