NEARLY three decades since he played his last game in the Philippine Basketball Association as the playing assistant coach of Barangay Ginebra in 1999, sharpshooter Alan Caidic would still lace a pair of sneakers whenever he gets an invitation to play in exhibition matches along with his fellow PBA legends.
Loved and adored by local fans but feared during his prime by the opposing squad either in the pro rank or the international hoop circuit, Caidic retired holding some individual milestones he achieved after 13 seasons in the PBA.
He is still the record holder for most points scored in a single game — 79 points — the same night he tallied 17 triples in a game, also the most converted by any player, local or import, set on Nov. 21, 1991.
Known as “The Trigger Man,” he also made his mark as one of the most consistent shooters from the foul line. He made 76 consecutive free throws which he established from Oct. 22, 1992 to May 11, 1993, eclipsing the previous record set by three-time Most Valuable Player William “Bogs” Adornado.
An MVP winner in 1990 and a Rookie of the Year awardee in 1987, the five-time PBA champion is now a league Hall of Famer and was included in the all-time PBA Greatest Players list.
Just recently, Caidic brought back the hands of time and old basketball fans couldn’t help but reminisce.
About a week ago, Caidic joined his fellow former PBA superstars in an exhibition game in Mataas Na Kahoy, Lipa City, and wowed the crowed. He knocked in 22 three-point shots, more than five he tallied when he became the record-holder for most three-point conversions in a PBA game, and ended up with 66 points in the game.
It appears Caidic has never lost his shooting touch even at the age of 63.
A few years ago, he dazzled local folks when he torched the hoop and hit 46 three-point shots to end the game with a jaw-dropping 142 points in Candon, Ilocos Sur.
Next week, the MPBL will hold a Three-Point Shootout competition as part of the annual All-Star festivities and the league will pit some of the finest sharpshooters in the contest, including Migs Pascual of Sarangani, who at an early age, developed his shooting skills under Caidic, his designated shot doctor.
Aside from Pascual, other participants include Mike Ayonayon, Robbi Darang, JP Cauilan, Mark Cruz, Jeff Manday, Wendell Comboy, Pot Buena, Jolo Mendoza, Judel Fuentes, Brandon Wilson, Al Francis Tamsi, Shaq Alanes, Orlan Wamar, Shawn Argente, Harrold Benedictos and Brian Heruela.
Caidic couldn’t help but look back in time when he competed in the PBA 3-Point Shootout.
“I remember the times when I was still competing in those events. There was a team event, which means you are a tandem, representing your team, and there’s an individual event,” Caidic told The Manila Times.
“I was paired with Apet Jao and we won the event, which at that time was used by the PBA as an event in between a regular double header.”
In 1992, when the 3-Point Shootout was introduced as part of the PBA All-Star Weekend, Caidic became the inaugural champion.
Ahead of the coming MPBL Shootout Challenge, Caidic gave pointers to the participants.
“Each player has his own style. Some of them would make quick release because we’re all pressed for time, but I remember Ric-Ric Marata, he has his own style. He was deliberate and not rushing his shots. His mindset was to make sure he had a better opportunity of making his shots in the first two racks. Probably, his mentality was, if I can get 10 points in the first two racks and end up with 15 points, he had a better chance of winning, which at that time, was a pretty solid number,” said Caidic.
“Back then, we don’t have an all money ball rack and won’t shoot from the pedestal logo just like what players are doing now. In the past, the first three racks would be important.”
“The Trigger Man” also said that players would need to start at a spot where they feel comfortable.
“You need to shoot at a spot where you are comfortable at because the first rack is crucial in establishing your rhythm. If you don’t get your rhythm yet in the first rack, don’t be discouraged. Of course, you also have to be mindful of the time, so by the time you have consumed 30 seconds, you need to be at the middle rack or the top of the key. Don’t rush your shots, but make sure that every release was on rhythm and has a chance of going in,” he added.
