As I sit down to map out the 2017 PBA season, I can't help but feel that familiar buzz of anticipation. This year's schedule isn't just a list of dates and venues—it's a roadmap to what promises to be one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. Having followed the league for over a decade, I've learned that each tournament carries its own unique flavor, and the Philippine Cup opening this January sets the tone for everything that follows. What makes this particular season guide special is how teams have been preparing, and frankly, I've never seen so much strategic emphasis on three-point shooting as I have this year.
Let me take you back to that Davao tournament last December, because what happened there fundamentally changed how I view NLEX's chances this season. Watching them sink 18 three-pointers out of 34 attempts in the title game was nothing short of spectacular. I remember turning to my colleague and saying, "This changes everything." Their shooting percentage of nearly 53% from beyond the arc wasn't just good—it was historically significant. Most teams would be lucky to hit 12-15 threes in a championship game, but NLEX made it look effortless. This performance wasn't a fluke either; I've been tracking their practice sessions and they've been putting up 500-600 three-point shots daily. That's 50% more than the league average for shooting drills. When the Philippine Cup kicks off on January 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, mark my words—NLEX's three-point arsenal will be the story to watch.
The beauty of the 2017 PBA calendar lies in its rhythm—the Philippine Cup from January to March, then the Commissioner's Cup running April through June, followed by the Governor's Cup from July to October. I've always preferred the Philippine Cup because it features pure local talent without imports, which really tests team depth and coaching strategies. This year, with the way shooting has evolved, I suspect we'll see records broken. The league has scheduled 42 elimination round games just for the first conference, with each team playing 11 matches before playoffs. What's fascinating is how venues have been distributed—while Manila gets the bulk with approximately 65% of games, I'm particularly excited about the provincial matches. The March 4 game in Bacolod between NLEX and San Miguel could be an early championship preview if both teams maintain their forms.
Now, let's talk about why NLEX's shooting performance in Davao matters beyond just one game. In my analysis, their 18-of-34 three-point shooting represents a strategic shift that other teams haven't fully appreciated yet. Most PBA teams average around 9-11 successful three-pointers per game, meaning NLEX nearly doubled the league average in that championship performance. This isn't just about having good shooters—it's about creating offensive systems that generate high-quality looks from beyond the arc. I've noticed they're running more off-ball screens and using their big men as passers at the top of the key, which creates better angles for shooters. When the Philippine Cup begins, this could force other teams to defend differently, potentially opening up driving lanes that wouldn't otherwise be available. The ripple effects could change how the entire league approaches offensive spacing.
Looking at the full schedule, there are certain matchups that jump out at me. The February 12 clash between NLEX and Rain or Shine at the Mall of Asia Arena should be particularly telling—Rain or Shine has traditionally been strong defensively against three-point shots, holding opponents to about 32% shooting from deep last season. This will be the ultimate test of whether NLEX's shooting explosion was a one-time wonder or a sustainable strategy. Then there's the March 19 game against Ginebra at the Philippine Arena—that massive court could either work to NLEX's advantage by creating more spacing, or expose them defensively in transition. Personally, I think the larger court helps shooting teams, and NLEX could put up 20+ threes if the game pace favors them.
What many casual fans might not realize is how much preparation goes into these tournaments behind the scenes. From my conversations with team staff, I know that NLEX has been specifically conditioning their players for the back-to-back games scheduled in February. The league has packed 15 games between February 3-19, which is brutal even by PBA standards. This is where shooting depth becomes crucial—fresh legs maintain shooting form better in compact schedules. I'd estimate NLEX has at least four players capable of shooting 38% or better from three-point range, which is about two more reliable shooters than most other teams possess. This depth could prove decisive during that grueling February stretch.
As we approach the Commissioner's Cup in April, the dynamic will change with imports joining each team. But I believe NLEX's shooting foundation will make their import selection more flexible—they can prioritize a defensive big man since their outside shooting is already established. This contrasts with teams like Meralco, who often need to find imports who can stretch the floor. The beauty of the PBA schedule is how each tournament builds upon the last, and NLEX's Philippine Cup performance could dictate their approach for the entire season. If they shoot well in the first conference, they might stick with their system throughout 2017.
Reflecting on past seasons, I've never been this optimistic about a team's chances based primarily on their shooting. The 2017 schedule sets up perfectly for NLEX to make some noise—the breaks between tournaments give them time to refine their system, and the venue distribution puts them in position to gain momentum. While I typically avoid making bold predictions this early, I'll go out on a limb here: NLEX will make at least 200 three-pointers during the Philippine Cup elimination round, which would shatter the current record of 167 set by San Miguel in 2015. Their shooting isn't just a weapon—it's potentially revolutionary for how PBA basketball is played. As we count down to the opening tip, I find myself more excited than usual, because this season might just change our fundamental understanding of what wins basketball games in the Philippines.
