Jerrick Ahanmisi beats ‘role model’ Marcio Lassiter for PBA 3-Point Shootout crown
2026-03-06 - 13:34
ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – Terrafirma gunner Jerrick Ahanmisi held his own against one of the greatest shooters in PBA history to claim the Three-Point Shootout crown of the 2026 All-Star in Candon City here. Ahanmisi bested San Miguel veteran Marcio Lassiter in a thrilling finale at the Candon City Arena on Friday, March 6, becoming the first player in Dyip history to win the event. Lassiter, the PBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers, had looked like on his way to a breakthrough Three-Point Shootout title following failed attempts in eight previous All-Star editions as he fired 25 points in the final. But Ahanmisi, the last to shoot out of the three finalists, including Converge star Juan Gomez de Liaño, stole the show by netting 30 points. “Ever since I came to the PBA, or even before I came to the PBA, I’ve looked up to him as a shooter, as a role model. Just to be able to show everybody that I can do what he can do as well, it’s just a blessing,” said Ahanmisi. On fire from the get-go, Ahanmisi went four of five on his money rack balls worth 2 points each, then drained the two golden balls worth 3 points apiece as he forced Lassiter to settle for another runner-up finish. Lassiter also placed second in the 2023 edition in Passi City, Iloilo, losing to Magnolia’s Paul Lee. Gomez de Liaño finished third with 18 points. Ahanmisi came out the biggest winner in the skills events as he also topped the Guards Obstacle Challenge, besting Gomez de Liaño, TNT’s Rey Nambatac, Titan Ultra’s Fran Yu, San Miguel’s Juami Tiongson, and Blackwater’s Dalph Panopio with a time of 24.44 seconds. “This is a product of hard work every single day. The things that people don’t see on camera, the things that people don’t see when watching practices or watching games,” said Ahanmisi. Meralco’s Brandon Bates reigned in the Bigs Obstacle Challenge with a time of 22.86 seconds to beat NLEX’s Brandon Ramirez and Magnolia’s James Laput. – Rappler.com