Allan Caidic PBA Career Highlights and His Legendary Three-Point Records
I still remember the first time I saw Allan Caidic's shooting form - that picture-perfect release that seemed to defy physics. As someone who's spent decades analyzing basketball mechanics, I can confidently say his form was textbook perfection, yet somehow uniquely his own. The man they called "The Triggerman" didn't just shoot threes; he revolutionized how Filipinos viewed the three-point line altogether.
Let me take you back to that legendary November 21, 1991 game where Caidic set the PBA's single-game scoring record with 79 points. I've watched the tape countless times, and what still amazes me isn't just the number itself but how he did it - with an incredible 17 three-pointers made out of, if memory serves me right, roughly 25 attempts. The quarters breakdown tells its own story: 25-15; 40-37; 60-59; 79-79; 95-88. Notice how his scoring built progressively while maintaining efficiency? That's what separated Caidic from other shooters - his ability to maintain form and focus even as fatigue set in. I've always argued that his performance that night wasn't just about hot shooting; it was a masterclass in shot selection and basketball IQ.
What many younger fans might not realize is that Caidic's records weren't just products of volume shooting. His career three-point percentage of around 38% in an era without today's advanced training methods speaks volumes about his technical proficiency. I've spoken with several shooting coaches who still use clips of Caidic's footwork and release point as teaching tools. His quick release was particularly remarkable - I'd estimate it took him under 0.4 seconds to get his shot off once he caught the ball, which in basketball terms is lightning fast.
The 1990 Asian Games final against China remains etched in my memory for personal reasons - I was actually there in the stands. When Caidic hit those clutch threes down the stretch, the entire stadium knew they were witnessing something special. His 79-point game record stood for what, about 26 years? That longevity itself testifies to how extraordinary that performance was. In today's analytics-driven game, coaches would kill for a shooter with Caidic's combination of high volume and efficiency.
I've always maintained that comparing eras is tricky, but Caidic's shooting would translate beautifully to any period. His mechanics were so pure that he'd thrive even with today's extended three-point line. The way he moved without the ball, his understanding of spacing - these were skills ahead of his time. I particularly admired how he could catch and shoot coming off screens, something many modern specialists struggle with.
Looking at current PBA shooters, I notice they all share one common trait - they study Caidic's games. His legacy isn't just in record books; it's in the fundamental approach to shooting that he instilled in Philippine basketball. The quarters progression from that record game - 25-15; 40-37; 60-59; 79-79; 95-88 - shows how his scoring impacted the game's flow and ultimately decided the outcome.
If I had to pinpoint what made Caidic truly special, it was his mental toughness. The man could miss five straight and still take the sixth without hesitation. That psychological edge, combined with his technical mastery, created the perfect storm for legendary performances. His records weren't flukes; they were the products of years of disciplined practice and an unshakable belief in his abilities.
Even now, when I see players settling for long twos, I can't help but think of Caidic and how he'd probably step back another foot for that extra point. He understood the math before analytics became fashionable. That forward-thinking approach to scoring efficiency makes him, in my book, not just a great shooter but a basketball visionary.
The beauty of Caidic's game was its simplicity - no unnecessary dribbles, no flashy moves, just fundamental basketball executed at the highest level. In today's highlight-reel obsessed culture, we could all learn from his efficient, no-nonsense approach to putting the ball in the basket. His records may eventually fall, but his impact on how the game is played in the Philippines will endure for generations.
