RAYMOND Almazan wants the 3-Point Shootout Big Man Edition scrapped and never to return so that the PBA record will show he was the only champion.
Of course, Almazan was just joking and is the first one to suggest that this contest should become a regular fare in the All-Star festivities.
“At least, kahit tanggalin nila next year, ako lang ‘yung naka-champion dito,” said Almazan, when asked of his thoughts about his latest feat.
Almazan hails 3-point shootout
Seriously speaking, though, Almazan, who is 6-8, said bringing the bigs in the three-point shootout was an excellent idea since basketball continues to evolve.
Adding one but removing another event, though, was not to Almazan's liking as he suggested that the league bring back the Slam Dunk contest. which was shelved this year.
“Honestly, nanonood ako ng mga PBA All-Star, NBA, I was surprised na walang slam dunk. We knew na pag All-Star, we know na kailangan ng slam dunk. Pero desisyon nila ‘yun,” said Almazan.
Injuries to prospective candidates was the reason why the Slam Dunk contest was scrapped this year, and was replaced with a shootout involving big men.
Almazan was crowned champion of the debuting event, scoring 19 points to beat Isaac Go (6-7) of Terrafirma and Christian David (6-6) of Blackwater.
Almazan bats for slam dunk
“Three-point shootout, okay din naman para makita nila ‘yung mga bigs na skilled na tumitira ng three-point shot. Puwede rin naman may slam dunk para mas masaya ‘yung mga fans. ‘Yun naman tayo, kaya tayo bumibisita sa ibang lugar para makapag-give back,” said Almazan.
Almazan said basketball has changed over the years that bigs, including him, are being given the green light to shoot from the outside.
“Like June Mar, tumitira na sa game. Hindi naman puwede tumira kung hindi niya pinapraktis. I’m sure sa Gilas, pinapraktis niya ‘yun. Siguro binibigyan siya ng go-signal ni coach [Jorge] Gallent na tumira,” said Almazan.
Known more as a rim protector early, Almazan has developed an outside shot particularly from the top of the free throw area. But the big man said he is also working on his three-point attempts from the corner especially in preparation for the All-Star Weekend.
“Usually, sa gitna ako. Hindi ako corner guy. Madalang ako tumira sa corner. Top of the key talaga. Kaya nandoon lahat ng money ball,” said Almazan.
He got that idea to put the most of the money balls from the top of the key from his former Rain or Shine teammate Paul Lee, who won the main three-point shootout in 2023 in Passi, Iloilo.
“’Yun ‘yung sabi sa akin ni Paul, kunin mo ‘yung rhythm sa money ball,” said Almazan, who added winning the award was unexpected.
“Maraming shooters na bigs, sila Isaac, David, hindi naman sila usually bigs. Stretch three, two guy sila. I was so happy na ako ‘yung unang nanalo sa three-point shootout ng big man,” said Almazan.
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