Jimmy Alapag had one simple request for Marcio Lassiter when two of the PBA’s greatest shooters crossed paths on Sunday night.
The moment came during NLEX’s victory over San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, their first meeting since the Beermen’s sharpshooter surpassed the 2011 MVP on the league’s all-time three-pointers made list.
“He’s absolutely well-deserving of it, and I even told him after the game, ‘Keep going,'” he said after their 110-96 victory at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“You know, try to stretch that record out so far to where nobody else breaks it,” added Alapag.
“But nothing but the utmost respect for Marcio.”
Lassiter dislodged Alapag and became the PBA’s new three-ball king in their 131-82 beatdown of Barangay Ginebra during the Season 49 Governors’ Cup eliminations back on September 15, 2024, under the same Big Dome lights.
The Gilas Pilipinas pioneer wanted the sure-fire Hall of Famer to be in attendance, but the latter, at the time, was still busy as a player development coach with the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association.
Still, he couldn’t be more grateful for the messages of support he got—even if it was via text.
“He wished he could be here,” he said back then.
“But he said he’ll be full-on, just be there supporting. He’s back home in the States. He just gave his wishes and said hi to the family, and… ‘Just keep on pushing the needle,’ he said.”
About two years later, they finally met in person, giving Alapag the opportunity to personally congratulate the 39-year-old.
“Aside from playing a team that has really dominated in the PBA for a long time, I was really looking forward to getting a chance to see Marcio tonight,” said the 48-year-old, who became no. 1 in 2016 by surpassing Allan Caidic.
“I didn’t get a chance to congratulate him personally for being the new three-point record holder,” added the 48-year-old, whose meeting with Lassiter was expected by some when he was appointed as NLEX coach last June.
Alapag took the time to rain down praises on Lassiter, who currently has 1,397 triples to his name and counting—a figure which ‘Cap’ hopes to see grow.
“It’s a testament to him as a player, it’s a testament to his work ethic, his consistency; known as now the greatest shooter in PBA history,” he said.
“To be able to congratulate him personally, I was really looking forward to that.”
