Basketball

San Miguel Beermen star and PBA veteran Marcio Lassiter recently etched his name in the history books of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). In an emphatic 131-82 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday, September 15, during the Season 49 Governor’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Lassiter delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come. He not only helped secure a critical win for his team, but he also became the PBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made.

Lassiter finished the game with 18 points, fueled by six three-pointers. In doing so, he surpassed the previous record of 1,250 three-pointers set by PBA legend Jimmy Alapag. This achievement is nothing short of extraordinary, given that Alapag had broken another legend’s record, Allan Caidic, back in 2016. Caidic, also known as "The Triggerman," was previously regarded as the league’s greatest shooter, and for Lassiter to join this elite club is a significant milestone in his storied career.

What's even more impressive is the efficiency with which Lassiter accomplished this feat. It took him just 538 games to surpass Alapag, who reached the 1,250 mark in 601 games. This highlights Lassiter's consistency and deadly accuracy from beyond the arc, traits that have defined his play throughout his career. Yet, despite this monumental achievement, Lassiter remains modest, refusing to believe that he has achieved “legendary” status in the league.

Humility in the Face of Greatness

In the post-game press conference, Lassiter was quick to downplay his new title as the league’s three-point king. "I will let people decide that," Lassiter remarked when asked about his thoughts on achieving legendary status. "I find ways to keep motivating myself, and this is another one. But it’s not going to stop me from motivating myself for the next achievement or the next thing I want to accomplish. Until I hang my shoes up, I think that’s when I will officially hold that title. I’m not going to say it."

Lassiter’s humility is refreshing in an era where athletes often bask in their individual glory. His comments reflect a mindset focused on continuous improvement and dedication to the basketball game, rather than seeking accolades. For him, personal achievements are secondary to team success, which is why he’s quick to attribute his success to the support of his teammates, coaches, and fans.

PBA's premier 3-point shooter: San Miguel's Marcio Lassiter celebrates his ascension to No. 1 with 1,254 treys overall in their 131-82 rout of Ginebra. Lassiter knocked down 6 treys to soar past Jimmy Alapag (1,250). pic.twitter.com/vRJRnxJ7NY

— Olmin Leyba (@olminleyba) September 15, 2024

A Team-First Mentality

Lassiter's humility extends beyond just his refusal to claim legendary status. He also emphasized that he is a "team guy" and hasn’t set his sights on individual accolades. "I think, when it comes to records, I’m more of a team guy. I haven’t really set my sights on anything individually in my career," Lassiter shared.

Despite his individual successes—he’s been part of the PBA Mythical Team, earned an All-Defensive Team selection, and won the Comeback Player of the Year award—he's never chased the individual accolades that many players crave, such as Finals MVP or season MVP titles. Instead, his focus has always been on winning championships, and it’s this mindset that has made him one of the most beloved figures in the PBA.

"I don’t think about it. I play to win, and that’s always my thing. If individual glory comes to me, I’m super happy, but winning a championship makes me happier more than anything in the world," he added.

This mindset is likely a key reason why Lassiter has been a crucial part of San Miguel's 10 PBA championships. Over his career, he’s proven to be not just a lethal shooter, but a reliable team player who is willing to do whatever it takes to win. His contributions on the court have earned him eight PBA All-Star nominations, further cementing his status as one of the league’s most dependable players.

Paying Tribute to PBA Legends

Even though Lassiter shies away from calling himself a legend, he holds a deep respect for those who came before him and paved the way. In his post-game comments, Lassiter paid tribute to the PBA shooting legends who influenced him and the league.

"The great Allan Caidic showed me that if you can shoot it, you can do a lot, and teams and coaches started seeing that," Lassiter noted. Caidic’s influence on Lassiter’s game is apparent, as both players share a reputation for being deadly from long range.

Lassiter also credited other notable shooters in the PBA, such as LA Tenorio and Jimmy Alapag. "LA Tenorio was big on timely threes and made it acceptable to shoot threes in the clutch. Jimmy helped pave the way in expanding the three-point line and guarding guys from there," Lassiter said. These legends, in their own ways, pushed the boundaries of what it meant to be a sharpshooter in the league, and Lassiter is proud to carry on that legacy.

While Lassiter may not be ready to declare himself a PBA legend, the statistics paint a different picture. Of the top 10 players in the all-time three-point shooting list, Lassiter stands out not just for holding the record but for his efficiency and contributions to team success. He has won the most PBA championships (10) among those in the top 10, and his career shooting percentage of .390 from beyond the arc is the highest among them.

Additionally, he achieved this record in fewer games than anyone else, needing just 538 games to surpass Alapag’s mark. This efficiency demonstrates that Lassiter is not just a volume shooter but one of the most accurate in the history of the league.

At 37 years old, Lassiter shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to stay consistent in his shooting, even as the game has evolved, is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

What's Next for Lassiter?

Despite already securing a spot in PBA history, Lassiter isn’t done yet. He’s made it clear that he’s always looking ahead to the next challenge, whether that’s winning another championship with San Miguel or continuing to hone his skills. He also hasn’t ruled out further personal milestones, but his focus remains on helping his team win games.

His unrelenting drive and humility make it clear that while the title of "legend" may come, Lassiter is more focused on continuing to perform at the highest level. His influence on the PBA will be felt for years to come, whether or not he embraces the legendary status many already attribute to him.

Marcio Lassiter's rise to the top of the PBA's three-point shooting ranks is a monumental achievement, but for him, it’s just another step in a career defined by humility and a team-first approach. While the records and accolades are piling up, Lassiter remains focused on one thing—winning. It’s this mentality that has made him a cornerstone of San Miguel's success and a player that future generations will undoubtedly look up to.

As fans and analysts continue to debate his place among the league’s all-time greats, one thing is clear: Marcio Lassiter has already made an indelible mark on the PBA, and his journey is far from over.

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