Marcio Lassiter is extremely honored to be mentioned alongside some of the PBA’s all-time greats after achieving history on Friday.
The San Miguel sniper became just the ninth player to make 1,000 career three-pointers, joining an elite company that features cage luminaries such as Allan Caidic, Jimmy Alapag, and Ronnie Magsanoc, among others.
“Truly honored,” said the 35-year-old Filipino-American gunner. “I’m blessed, man. You’re speaking of Hall of Fame players. Legends. The best to do it. And that’s something that you can’t really take away. It’s in the history books.
“Just grateful and thankful.”
Lassiter reached the milestone during Beermen’s 2022 Philippine Cup meeting against NLEX at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
He did so just in the first half, where he nailed three treys. The 11-year veteran made his 1,000th three with 3:56 left in the second period.
Lassiter went on to finish with four treys for 18 points, helping his crew chalk up win no. 2 of the conference by way of a 100-9 decision.
The former fourth overall pick admitted that he’s aware of how close he is to the historic feat prior to the season, but wasn’t really thinking much about it.
“Coming into the last game, I knew I had, like, a few more. I just didn’t know how many exactly. But I think I was just tryna, like, not think of it, just continue playing my game, and just let it come to me,” Lassiter said.
“Fortunately, good thing that it came tonight and I’m just happy it’s over with,” added the Gilas pioneer, who shot 53.8-percent from the field in the win.
Lassiter said that it’s a testament not just to the work he’s put in, but to the trust of those he has worked with past and present as well.
“It just speaks to the craft and me putting in the hard work all these years, continuing to believe in myself, and my teammates.
“They’re the ones who have been passing me the ball all these years, you know, from Powerade, Petron, even here. Just gotta thank everyone, and just keep believing in my abilities,” he said.
This achievement, however, doesn’t mean that Lassiter will already rest on his laurels. He wasn’t shy to say that he wants to get up there.
“I wanna reach the top. That’s been my goal ever since,” the eight-time PBA champion said. “I believe in myself. It’s not gonna be easy, it’s gonna be harder. Each year it gets harder just because defenses are getting better.
“But, I’m just gonna continue to be out there and improve in my craft and my shot and make sure I stay consistent, keep my percentages up. I think if I keep my percentages high every year like I’ve been doing, good things can happen,” he continued.
“In that same aspect, I can help the team win more games and get closer to our main goal which is always the championship. That’s my main goal — always.”
—
All PBA games stream live on GigaPlay. Download it now on Android or IOS.
The second game of each gameday is also livestreamed on SMART Sports.
