One “bang” after another : Ranking the 5 Greatest Shooters in PBA History

In a league defined by physicality, heart, and iconic rivalries, few skills have shaped the PBA’s evolution quite like the three-point shot. From the early days of long-range gunners to the modern era of precision snipers, a select group of marksmen have elevated outside shooting into an art form — players whose accuracy, confidence, and clutch heroics changed the way Filipino basketball is played. Among them stand five legends who not only mastered the deep ball but also left lasting imprints on championship runs, national team campaigns, and the league’s history itself. These are the PBA’s greatest shooters — the elite few who proved that sometimes, the most powerful weapon comes from 22 feet away.

1. Allan Caidic — “The Triggerman”

Allan Caidic is widely regarded as the greatest pure shooter in PBA history. Nicknamed “The Triggerman,” his mastery from beyond the arc revolutionized scoring in the league. In his MVP season of 1990, Caidic buried 160 triples, a single-season record that highlighted his range and volume.

One of his most legendary performances came in a 1991 game where he scored 79 points, hitting 17 out of 27 three-point attempts, also setting records for most points in a half (53), a quarter (37), and consecutive threes in a game (8). At his peak, he was so dangerous that opponents always had to account for his long-range shot — a player who could swing momentum with one catch-and-shoot release.

On top of his scoring, Caidic was also a national team standout, playing for the Philippines in major tournaments. His career three-point total of 1,242 made threes stood as a benchmark for years.

2. Marcio Lassiter — “Super Marcio”

Marcio Lassiter has solidified his legacy as one of the PBA’s most prolific and efficient shooters. In September 2024, he broke Jimmy Alapag’s long-standing all-time three-point record, becoming the PBA’s new king of triples. He did it in style, drilling multiple deep shots early in a blowout win for San Miguel.

Lassiter’s accomplishment wasn’t just about volume — it reflected consistency, longevity, and his ability to deliver when it mattered. According to OneSports, his journey to the top of the all-time list is “rooted in the threads of sacrifice, hard work, and his love for the game.”In that historic game where he broke the record, he finished with 1,254 career triples.

Beyond his shooting, Lassiter has also shown his all-around game: he became the 34th player in PBA history to record 500 steals, proving that he’s not just a scorer but also a defensive pest. He continues to be a critical piece of San Miguel’s dynasty, contributing to multiple titles and maintaining a high level of play well into his 30s.

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Shout out to Marcio Lassiter for surpassing Jimmy Alapag to become the PBA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made! pic.twitter.com/V8wOpWGN4r

— PBA insider (@PBAinsider) September 15, 2024

3. Jeff Chan — “The Negros Sniper” 

Jeff Chan carved his niche as a specialist who thrived off movement, screens, and catch-and-shoot opportunities. With a fluid left-handed stroke and exceptional court awareness, he became one of the most feared long-range scorers in knockout and playoff situations.

Over his career, Chan won multiple PBA championships, proving that he could deliver not just in the regular season but under intense pressure. He was often the X-factor on title-contending teams, especially in crunch time, when his ability to hit big threes made all the difference.

His shooting mechanics, shot selection, and timing made him a model for modern PBA wings — someone who could stretch the defense while still contributing elsewhere on the floor.

4. Dondon Hontiveros — “The Cebuano Hotshot”

Dondon Hontiveros combined style, heart, and sniper-level shooting over a long PBA career. Standing at 6′2″, he wasn’t the tallest, but he was fearless with his shot, especially from deep.

He ranks among the elite in career three-point makes, having crossed the 1,000-threes threshold — a rare feat in the league. His long-range willingness, coupled with his ability to catch fire, made him a fan favorite and a consistent offensive threat.

Hontiveros also brought a veteran’s poise and leadership: over 17 PBA seasons, he became known not only for his hot streaks but also for his reliability as a scorer when his teams needed it most. Whether it was in regular-season battles or playoff duels, his shot was a spine of his teams’ offensive identity.

5. Jimmy Alapag — “The Mighty Mouse”

Jimmy Alapag may be best remembered for his leadership and playmaking, but his impact as a shooter is equally legendary. Nicknamed “The Mighty Mouse,” he had a special knack for hitting big threes in late-game situations, whether for the PBA or Gilas Pilipinas.

Alapag once held the all-time PBA three-point record with 1,250 triples, and his record was only broken many years later by steadfast competitors. His pull-up game, deep-corner bombs, and ability to create his shot under pressure were hallmarks of his floor general role.

Internationally, Alapag was a cornerstone of the Philippine national team. He drilled clutch threes against top Asian competition, helping Gilas punch above its weight on the global stage. His shooting threat, combined with his leadership and toughness, made him a blueprint for future Filipino point guards.

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