Who Are the PBA Players With the Most 3 Points Made in League History?

As I sit here scrolling through PBA highlight reels, I can't help but marvel at how dramatically the three-point shot has transformed Philippine basketball. Having followed the league since the early 2000s, I've witnessed this evolution firsthand - from when teams would occasionally take perimeter shots as last-resort options to today's game where the three-pointer has become a fundamental weapon. This got me thinking about who actually tops the all-time list for most three-pointers made in PBA history, and how these sharpshooters have shaped the game we love today.

When we talk about PBA three-point kings, one name immediately springs to mind - Jimmy Alapag. The Meralco Bolts coach now, but during his playing days, he was absolutely lethal from beyond the arc. I remember watching him during the 2011 Commissioner's Cup finals, where he just kept draining threes despite defensive pressure. His quick release was something special, probably developed through thousands of hours of practice. Statistics show Alapag made approximately 1,250 three-pointers throughout his career, though I should note these numbers can vary slightly depending on the source. What made Alapag particularly dangerous was his ability to hit big shots in crucial moments - that Game 6 against Talk 'N Text where he hit five threes still gives me chills when I rewatch it.

Another remarkable shooter who deserves mention is Allan Caidic. Now, I never got to watch "The Triggerman" live during his prime, but the footage and stories speak volumes about his shooting prowess. Old-timers at the Araneta Coliseum still talk about that 1991 game where he set the single-game three-point record by making 17 triples - an unbelievable feat that I doubt will be broken anytime soon. Caidic reportedly made around 1,200 career threes, and what's fascinating is that he achieved this with what many consider outdated shooting form by today's standards. His success proves that consistency and confidence matter more than perfect mechanics.

The conversation about elite three-point shooters wouldn't be complete without discussing James Yap. Now here's a player I've followed throughout his entire career, from his rookie season with Purefoods to his later years with Rain or Shine. Yap has this smooth, effortless shooting motion that makes every three-pointer look easy. I've always admired his footwork leading into shots - how he creates that sliver of space against tight defense. The numbers suggest he's made about 1,100 threes and counting, though his percentage has naturally dipped in recent seasons as he's taken on more of a veteran leadership role.

What's interesting about tracking these three-point records is how it reflects broader changes in Philippine basketball philosophy. When I started following the PBA seriously around 2005, teams averaged maybe 15-20 three-point attempts per game. Now we're seeing some squads launch 30-plus regularly. This shift towards perimeter-oriented offense has completely changed how games are played and won. I personally love this evolution - it makes for more exciting, unpredictable basketball where comebacks can happen in minutes rather than quarters.

This brings me to an important point about team management and player development, something that resonates particularly when we consider situations like the Cebu franchise that struggled with roster issues. Having covered various PBA teams over the years, I've seen how organizational stability directly impacts player performance and record-chasing. That Cebu team that reportedly competed with just six players due to management issues - imagine trying to develop consistent three-point shooting in that environment. It's nearly impossible when players are dealing with such instability. This contrast highlights how remarkable these shooting records become when you consider the organizational support needed to develop such specialized skills.

Looking at contemporary players, I'm particularly impressed with how Marcio Lassiter has climbed the all-time three-point list. His shooting form is textbook perfect - I've tried to incorporate elements of his technique into my own recreational games, though with considerably less success. Lassiter represents the modern PBA shooter who combines volume with efficiency, something that wasn't always prioritized in earlier eras. If he maintains his current pace, I wouldn't be surprised if he challenges Alapag's record within the next three seasons.

What many casual fans might not appreciate is the physical and mental toll of being a consistent three-point threat over multiple seasons. The legs eventually go, the eyesight changes, and defenses constantly devise new schemes to limit your opportunities. This is why these all-time records carry such weight - they represent not just talent but remarkable longevity and adaptability. I've spoken with several retired shooters who've confessed that maintaining their three-point percentage became increasingly challenging as they aged, requiring constant adjustments to their training and technique.

As we look toward the future, I'm excited to see how the next generation will push these records further. Young guns like Robert Bolick are already showing they can shoot from NBA range, something that was virtually unheard of in the PBA a decade ago. The internationalization of basketball, with players exposed to global styles and training methods, will likely produce even more prolific shooters. Personally, I believe we'll see the 1,500-three-pointer milestone broken within the next five years, possibly by someone currently in the collegiate ranks developing their game.

Reflecting on these shooting legends and their accomplishments, what stands out most isn't just the numbers but how they've inspired countless Filipino kids to work on their outside shooting. I've lost count of how many young players I've seen at local courts practicing their three-pointers while imitating Alapag's release or Caidic's follow-through. These players didn't just score points; they shaped how basketball is played and perceived in the Philippines. Their legacy extends beyond record books into the very fabric of our basketball culture, ensuring that the art of three-point shooting will continue to evolve and captivate fans for generations to come.