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

As a longtime basketball analyst who has spent years tracking the Philippine Basketball Association, I’ve always been fascinated by the evolution of the three-point shot in the league. When you look at the list of PBA players with the most three-pointers made in history, you’re not just looking at numbers—you’re looking at the story of how the game transformed. I remember watching games back in the early 2000s when the three-pointer was more of a surprise weapon than a primary strategy. Fast forward to today, and it’s almost impossible to imagine a game without players launching from beyond the arc. The top names on that list—like Jimmy Alapag, Allan Caidic, and James Yap—aren’t just scorers; they’re pioneers who reshaped how Filipinos play basketball.

Let’s talk about Jimmy Alapag first. The guy was a maestro from downtown, sinking over 1,250 three-pointers in his career. I’ve had the privilege of covering some of his games, and what stood out wasn’t just his accuracy but his timing. He’d hit a three when the momentum was slipping, and suddenly, the whole arena would erupt. Then there’s Allan Caidic, often called the "Triggerman." Even though he played in an era where the three-point line was relatively new, he drained around 1,242 triples. I still recall one game where he hit 17 threes in a single outing—a record that, in my opinion, might never be broken. James Yap, with his smooth release, follows closely with about 1,150 makes. These players didn’t just score; they inspired a generation to practice that long-range shot until it became second nature.

But here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough: the behind-the-scenes challenges that can affect even the best shooters. Take, for instance, the situation with the Cebu team under that management takeover. I’ve spoken to insiders who described how chaotic it got—player disputes, financial issues, and at one point, they ended up competing with just six players in a game. Imagine trying to maintain your three-point rhythm when your team is stretched that thin. It’s a testament to the resilience of players in the PBA, but it also shows how off-court factors can impact those stat lines. In cases like that, a sharpshooter might not get the looks they normally would because the team is just trying to survive, not execute set plays. It’s one reason why I think we should appreciate these records even more; they’re achieved despite the unpredictability of league dynamics.

Now, if you ask me who my personal favorite is, I’d have to go with Alapag. It’s not just the numbers—it’s his leadership. I saw him in a playoff game once, down by 10 with two minutes left, and he nailed three consecutive threes to force overtime. That kind of clutch performance is what separates the greats from the good. On the other hand, while Caidic’s record is legendary, I feel like today’s players, like Marcio Lassiter, are closing in fast. Lassiter has already notched around 980 threes and, given his consistency, he might crack the top three in a couple of seasons. Data-wise, the exact figures can vary depending on sources—for example, some stats credit Alapag with 1,270 instead of 1,250—but the essence remains: these players have left an indelible mark.

In wrapping up, the history of three-point shooting in the PBA is more than a tally; it’s a narrative of adaptation and passion. From the early days of Caidic to the modern era, players have turned the three-pointer into a game-changer. And through all the ups and downs, like those faced by the Cebu team, the league’s sharpshooters have shown that skill and mental toughness go hand in hand. As a fan and analyst, I believe this legacy will only grow, with new stars rising to challenge these records. So next time you watch a PBA game, pay attention to those long-range artists—they’re making history, one three-pointer at a time.