MANILA, Philippines – Just hours before breaking one of the most treasured individual scoring records in the league, Marcio Lassiter expressed his sincere gratitude for his brief but profound talk with PBA legend Jimmy Alapag. Lassiter, who is 37 years old, was about to surpass Alapag, who had been the PBA’s all-time record holder for the most three-pointers made in eight seasons. Alapag is currently an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings.

Lassiter received encouraging comments from Alapag as the San Miguel Beermen sharpshooter got closer to the record. This was an especially humble gift for Lassiter coming from a player of Alapag’s caliber. The two texted back and forth, with Alapag expressing his gratitude for what the record represented in his own career and his pride in Lassiter’s upcoming accomplishment.

Lassiter reflected on Alapag’s modest and encouraging demeanor, expressing how much the talk meant to him. Lassiter was honored to be named the PBA’s new Three-Point King by a player he looked up to, especially considering that the two had previously played together on coach Rajko Toroman’s Smart Gilas Pilipinas national squad. Lassiter was motivated to take the last few steps to break the record by Alapag’s words.

Lassiter created history on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as San Miguel defeated Barangay Ginebra 131-82. To beat Alapag’s record, he only needed three three-pointers, but he didn’t stop there. With six three-pointers in the game, Lassiter finished with 1,254 made three-pointers, solidifying his legacy in PBA history. His long-range shooting performance was outstanding; he made 6-of-8 from three-point range. In all, he scored 18 points to help San Miguel win, securing their place in the Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.

Thinking back on the occasion, Lassiter revealed that Alapag had stated that he wished he could have been in the Philippines to watch the game that broke all records. Alapag supported them even though he was unable to be present in person. The former PBA MVP, who was renowned for his sportsmanship and leadership in the league, sent his family well wishes and good wishes to Lassiter. Lassiter was greatly inspired to “keep on pushing the needle” by Alapag, who gave him advice to never give up on his professional goals.

Lassiter was cognizant of the moment’s importance. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial formally gave the San Miguel wingman a commemorative basketball during the game’s intermission to mark his accomplishment as the new all-time leader in three-point shooting. Lassiter was joined on stage at the Smart Araneta Coliseum by his wife and five children, adding to the specialness of the occasion. They commemorated one of his career’s most remarkable turning points together.

Lassiter has traveled a path of constancy and commitment up to this point. He has established a reputation for himself over the course of his career for his ability to hit big shots, his deadly precision from beyond the arc, and his dedication to becoming better every season. Although records are frequently viewed as individual accomplishments, Lassiter has always been more concerned with how his abilities might benefit his team than with himself. Even after his historic victory, he demonstrated his humility and team spirit by admitting that the record and the victory were both joint achievements.

Not only did breaking Alapag’s record a personal victory for Lassiter, but it also demonstrated how the PBA has developed into a league that consistently turns out elite players. Alapag’s record had served as a standard for three-point shooting proficiency and a representation of the perseverance and hard work needed to succeed at the highest levels of the sport. In addition to cementing Lassiter’s reputation, this accomplishment also speaks to the league’s continued expansion and the growing importance of three-point shooting in contemporary basketball.

Although breaking Alapag’s record was obviously a wonderful moment for Lassiter, it is evident that his main goal is still supporting his team. San Miguel took a big step toward their objective of winning another championship with their victory over Barangay Ginebra, which guaranteed them a spot in the Governors’ Cup quarterfinals. With Lassiter’s superb shooting and seasoned leadership, San Miguel is sure to be a strong team come playoff time.

Although breaking Alapag’s record was obviously a wonderful moment for Lassiter, it is evident that his main goal is still supporting his team. San Miguel took a big step toward their objective of winning another championship with their victory over Barangay Ginebra, which guaranteed them a spot in the Governors’ Cup quarterfinals. With Lassiter’s superb shooting and seasoned leadership, San Miguel is sure to be a strong team come playoff time.