Marcio Lassiter couldn’t be any more honored to have surpassed one of his idols in the PBA’s all-time three-pointers made list, Sunday night.
The San Miguel sniper has replaced the great Ronnie Magsanoc at fifth in the elite company after helping the Beermen build a 2-0 lead over Magnolia in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup Finals by way of a 109-85 rout.
“Honestly, I’m just thankful and blessed and humbled to be able to pass one of my idols, Ronnie,” he said moments after the game at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Lassiter now has 1,173 career triples — and counting — to his name. The ‘Point Laureate’ made 1,171 during his illustrious 13-year career.
The 36-year-old had already surpassed Magsanoc just in the first quarter of Game 2, hitting two from beyond the arc as he joined hands with Bennie Boatwright for a 17-5 run en route to a 26-14 lead to set up the romp.
He went on to finish the night with three threes, and ended up with 11 points on a 50-percent clip from the floor, three rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
Lassiter, though, never really gave the milestone much thought heading into Sunday’s game. But he is nonetheless blessed to have made the feat.
“I didn’t see myself getting to this point,” said the no. 4 pick by Powerade in the loaded 2011 Rookie Draft. “There was no way that in my first three, I was like, ‘Oh yeah, I will be Top Five.’ No way. So I’m just blessed to be in this position.”
Whatever he has achieved, he said, is just a result of the work he’s put in. “I know it’s not easy, but I know if I continue with my craft and just stick with my strength, which is shooting, eventually I’ll get there,” he said.
The nine-time league champion gave credit as well to the teammates and coaches he’s worked with for helping him get to where he is right now.
“I couldn’t do this without my teammates because they’ve been here — past and present — helping in finding me on the court. Even the coaches [who are] trusting me and my capabilities,” the seven-time All-Star said.
Lassiter is now the third active player in the Top 5 of the prestigious list, with current free agent James Yap above him at fourth with 1,184 triples and Barangay Ginebra star LA Tenorio sitting at no. 3 with 1,204 to his name.
The legendary Allan Caidic is at second with 1,242 behind all-time leader and present Sacramento Kings assistant coach Jimmy Alapag, who has 1,250.
