Who Truly Holds the Title of Best Shooter in PBA History?

When I first started following the Philippine Basketball Association over a decade ago, I’ll admit I was drawn to the flashy dunks and high-flying plays. But as I’ve grown older—and hopefully wiser—I’ve come to appreciate that the true artistry in basketball often lies in shooting. The debate over who truly holds the title of best shooter in PBA history is one I’ve had countless times with fellow fans, and I’ve developed a methodical approach to evaluating the contenders. Let me walk you through my personal framework for assessing shooting greatness, step by step.

First, you’ve got to look at the numbers—and I mean really dig into them. For me, it’s not just about three-point percentages or free-throw accuracy; it’s about consistency across seasons and clutch moments. Take Allan Caidic, for example. People throw around stats like his 17 three-pointers in a single game back in 1991, but I always remind folks to check his career three-point percentage, which hovered around 38% during his peak. That’s insane for someone taking so many attempts per game. On the other hand, James Yap’s mid-range game was a thing of beauty, but his three-point numbers often dipped below 35% in key playoff runs. Now, I’m biased here—I think volume matters just as much as efficiency, so Caidic’s willingness to launch from deep even on off-nights gives him an edge in my book. But don’t just take my word for it; pull up old box scores and compare shooting splits across eras. You’ll notice how some players, like Ren-Ren Ritualo, had flashes of brilliance but couldn’t sustain it under defensive pressure.

Next, consider the context of their playing style and the era they dominated. I’ve spent hours rewatching classic games, and one thing stands out: shooters from the ’80s and ’90s had to create their own shots without the spacing we see today. That’s why I rate players like Caidic and Samboy Lim so highly—they weren’t just spot-up shooters; they moved without the ball and hit contested jumpers. But here’s where things get tricky: you have to account for rule changes. The introduction of the three-point line in the PBA in the mid-’80s revolutionized the game, and early adopters like Caidic exploited it masterfully. Meanwhile, modern sharpshooters like Marcio Lassiter benefit from more structured offenses, which pad their percentages. Personally, I lean toward the old-school guys because they had to work harder for their looks, but I know some analysts who swear by the efficiency of today’s specialists. Whatever your preference, make sure to watch full games, not just highlights, to see how shooters adapt to defensive schemes.

Now, let’s talk about the intangibles—the mental side of shooting. This is where my experience as a former amateur player comes in. I remember trying to emulate the calm focus of PBA legends during pickup games, and it’s harder than it looks. That’s why I draw a parallel to the reference from Dasmarinas, Cavite, about Philippine volleyball coaches being “calm and soft-spoken” on the sidelines. In the same way, the best shooters in PBA history, like Caidic or even Jimmy Alapag later on, had this unshakable poise. They didn’t let misses rattle them; instead, they’d come back down the court and drain the next one like it was nothing. I’ve seen players with better form, like Gary David, who could light up the scoreboard but sometimes faded in crunch time. To evaluate this, I suggest watching how shooters perform in elimination games or finals series. For instance, in the 2013 Governors’ Cup, Alapag hit a series of clutch threes that sealed games, and that mental toughness, for me, is as important as any stat.

Another step in my method involves looking at longevity and impact on the game. Sure, there are one-season wonders, but the true greats maintained their shooting prowess for years. Caidic, for example, remained a threat from deep well into his 30s, averaging double-digit points in his final seasons. Compare that to someone like Jeff Chan, who had a stellar peak but saw his numbers decline more sharply due to injuries. I’ll be honest—I have a soft spot for players who evolve their game as they age. It shows dedication, and in Caidic’s case, he even mentored younger shooters, which extended his influence beyond the court. When you’re assessing this, check not just year-by-year stats but also how shooters adjusted to slower footspeed or rule tweaks. For instance, the shift to a faster pace in recent years might inflate some numbers, so I always normalize for era when making comparisons.

Finally, don’t forget the cultural impact—how these shooters inspired fans and shaped the sport. I’ll never forget watching Caidic’s highlights as a kid and spending hours in the driveway practicing his release. That emotional connection matters in this debate. In the end, after applying all these steps, I keep coming back to Allan Caidic as the best shooter in PBA history. His blend of volume, efficiency, clutch performance, and lasting legacy is unmatched in my eyes. But hey, that’s the beauty of this discussion—it’s subjective, and your method might lead you to a different conclusion. Whatever you do, enjoy the process of diving into the stats and stories, because that’s what makes the PBA so special.