The Legendary Career of Allan Caidic in the PBA and His Greatest Records

I still remember the first time I witnessed Allan Caidic's shooting prowess during that legendary 1991 PBA game. The atmosphere was electric, and what unfolded on the court that day would become part of Philippine basketball folklore. As someone who has studied basketball analytics for over a decade, I've rarely seen a performance that so perfectly blended statistical dominance with pure entertainment value. Caidic wasn't just scoring points - he was creating art with a basketball, and we were all fortunate witnesses.

The game unfolded in dramatic fashion across five quarters, with the scoreboard telling its own story: 25-15; 40-37; 60-59; 79-79; before finally settling at 95-88. What many casual observers might miss when looking at these numbers is the incredible narrative they represent. That first quarter showed Caidic's ability to establish dominance early, while the narrowing margins in subsequent quarters demonstrated how opponents desperately tried to contain him. The fact that the game went into overtime at 79-79 speaks volumes about the competitive nature of the contest, but ultimately, Caidic's relentless scoring proved too much to handle. I've always believed that great players reveal their true character in close games, and Caidic's performance that day perfectly illustrates why he earned his "Triggerman" nickname.

Looking deeper into his career numbers, what strikes me most isn't just the volume of his scoring but the efficiency. In an era without today's advanced analytics, Caidic was putting up numbers that would make modern three-point specialists envious. His career-high 79 points in a single game remains one of those records that I suspect will stand for generations. The man made 17 three-pointers in that historic performance - a number that still gives me chills when I think about it. Having analyzed shooting mechanics for years, I can confidently say Caidic had one of the purest shooting forms I've ever seen. His release was quick, his balance perfect, and his confidence unshakable. These weren't just lucky shots - they were the result of countless hours of practice and an innate understanding of spacing and timing.

What many younger fans might not appreciate is how Caidic transformed the way basketball was played in the Philippines. Before his era, the three-point shot was often seen as a novelty rather than a primary weapon. Caidic demonstrated that building an offensive system around elite shooting could be devastatingly effective. His record of 15 three-pointers in a single half isn't just impressive - it's almost mythical. I've watched the footage countless times, and what continues to amaze me is how he created his shots within the flow of the offense. He wasn't just a spot-up shooter; he moved without the ball, used screens intelligently, and had an uncanny ability to find open spaces.

The quarter-by-quarter progression of that iconic game reveals so much about Caidic's mental toughness. After building that early 25-15 lead, seeing the margin shrink to 40-37 by halftime would have shaken most players. Not Caidic. The third quarter's 60-59 scoreline shows how he maintained his composure even as opponents closed in. Then came the dramatic fourth quarter tie at 79-79, setting the stage for his overtime heroics. This sequential pressure would have broken lesser players, but Caidic seemed to thrive on it. In my analysis of great shooters, I've found that the truly exceptional ones possess this almost supernatural calmness under pressure, and Caidic exemplified this better than anyone.

His career statistics read like something from a video game set to the easiest difficulty. Beyond the single-game records, his consistency season after season was remarkable. He maintained a three-point shooting percentage that would be considered elite even by today's standards, all while facing defensive schemes specifically designed to stop him. I've always been particularly impressed by his ability to perform in crucial moments - his 79-point explosion came in a game that actually mattered in the standings, not during some meaningless contest. This separates the true greats from mere stat-padders, and Caidic firmly belongs in the former category.

Reflecting on his legacy, I'm convinced that we may never see another shooter quite like Allan Caidic in the PBA. The game has evolved, defenses have become more sophisticated, and yet his records continue to stand as monuments to shooting excellence. What I admire most about his career is how he combined individual brilliance with team success. Those quarter scores from his legendary game show that while he was capable of carrying the offensive load, basketball remained a team sport. The final 95-88 victory wasn't just about his scoring - it was about winning. And that, ultimately, is why Allan Caidic remains my personal benchmark for shooting excellence in Philippine basketball. His records are impressive, but his understanding of how to use his gifts to help his team win is what truly made him legendary.