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—it's the blueprint for what promises to be one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've learned that each tournament tells its own story, and the upcoming Philippine Cup is shaping up to be particularly compelling. What really caught my attention was NLEX's performance in the Davao tournament, where they demonstrated something extraordinary that could redefine their approach to the coming season.
Let me share something I observed during that Davao championship game—NLEX wasn't just shooting threes, they were systematically dismantling their opponents from beyond the arc. Going 18-of-34 from three-point range isn't just good shooting, it's a statement. That's 52.9% for those keeping track, an almost unreal conversion rate that demonstrates how potent their outside game has become. I remember watching Kevin Alas and Larry Fonacier finding pockets of space and releasing those picture-perfect jump shots that barely touched the net. What struck me wasn't just the makes, but the confidence with which they took those shots. They weren't settling for threes—they were hunting them. This strategic shift towards perimeter dominance could completely change how teams prepare for NLEX throughout the Philippine Cup schedule.
Looking at the broader 2017 PBA calendar, I'm particularly excited about how this three-point revolution might play out across different tournaments. The beauty of the PBA schedule is how it allows teams to evolve throughout the year, and NLEX seems to have found their identity earlier than most. In my analysis, teams that establish a clear offensive philosophy early in the season tend to perform better in the later tournaments. The way I see it, NLEX's shooting performance in Davao wasn't a fluke—it was the result of deliberate practice and strategic planning. Their coaching staff clearly recognized that in today's faster-paced PBA, the three-pointer isn't just another shot—it's a weapon that can stretch defenses and create driving lanes.
What many casual fans might not appreciate is how this outside shooting prowess affects the entire team dynamic. When you have multiple players who can consistently hit from deep, it forces defenses to extend beyond their comfort zones. This creates driving opportunities for players like Kiefer Ravena, who I believe will benefit tremendously from the added space. Having watched countless PBA games through the years, I've noticed that the most successful teams often have this inside-out balance, and NLEX seems to be building toward exactly that. Their 34 attempts from beyond the arc in a single game demonstrates a level of commitment to the three-ball that we haven't seen from them before.
The timing of this shooting breakout couldn't be better, considering the packed 2017 PBA schedule ahead. Teams will be playing multiple games weekly, and having a reliable three-point attack can be the difference between fresh legs and exhausted players in the fourth quarter. From my perspective, the mental toll of defending against constant three-point threats often wears teams down more than the physical aspect. When you're constantly closing out on shooters, it takes both a physical and psychological toll that accumulates throughout the season. NLEX might have just found their secret weapon for navigating the grueling PBA calendar.
I should mention that not everyone shares my enthusiasm about this three-point heavy approach. Some traditionalists argue that relying too much on outside shooting can be risky, especially during shooting slumps. But what I saw in Davao convinced me otherwise—this wasn't random chucking, but calculated, high-percentage shots within their offensive system. The ball movement that created those 34 three-point attempts was some of the prettiest basketball I've seen from a PBA team in recent memory. They generated open looks through player movement and crisp passing rather than isolation plays.
As we move deeper into the 2017 season, I'll be watching how other teams adjust to NLEX's perimeter game. The beauty of the PBA schedule is that it creates these fascinating strategic battles that unfold over months. Coaches will study the Davao game footage, defenses will adapt, and NLEX will need to counter-adjust. This constant evolution is what makes following the entire PBA calendar so rewarding for true basketball enthusiasts. It's not just about who wins individual games, but how teams develop and refine their identities throughout the year.
Reflecting on past seasons, I've noticed that teams who discover a distinctive strength early often ride that advantage to deep playoff runs. For NLEX, their three-point shooting could be that defining characteristic. The confidence gained from shooting 18-of-34 in a championship game creates a psychological edge that's hard to quantify but impossible to ignore. Players start believing every shot will fall, and that kind of collective confidence can carry a team through tough stretches of the schedule.
The 2017 PBA tournament dates are spread across the calendar to test teams in different ways, and NLEX's outside shooting could be particularly valuable during the mid-season tournaments when fatigue sets in. Three-pointers often come easier when legs are tired compared to driving to the basket or posting up. This strategic advantage might help them conserve energy while still putting points on the board—something I believe will be crucial during back-to-back games.
Watching teams evolve throughout the PBA schedule is one of my favorite aspects of following Philippine basketball. The storylines that develop, the strategic adjustments, the emergence of new strengths—it all creates a narrative that unfolds over months. NLEX's three-point revolution might just be the beginning of their story this season. How they build on this foundation, how other teams respond, and how this weapon serves them across different tournaments will be fascinating to observe. The 2017 PBA calendar isn't just a schedule—it's the stage where these basketball dramas will play out, and I for one can't wait to see how it all unfolds.