I still remember watching that game back in 2019, sitting in the arena with my notebook in hand, thinking I was about to witness just another regular season matchup. Little did I know I'd be watching PJ Simon orchestrate what I now consider a turning point in Philippine basketball history. The Cowboys' dominant performance that night wasn't just about winning—it was about redefining how the game could be played in our country.
When Simon hit his twelfth triple against the Tubo Slashers' mere four, the scoreboard showed 93-57, and honestly, I've never seen a local basketball crowd that electrified. As someone who's covered Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I've watched countless games, but this particular performance felt different. Simon wasn't just shooting—he was demonstrating a level of offensive execution that made everyone in that arena, including opposing coaches, rethink their strategies. The way he moved without the ball, created space, and released those shots with such consistent form—it was basketball artistry at its finest.
What struck me most was how Simon's performance highlighted the evolution of the Filipino player. We've always had talented athletes, but here was someone demonstrating that Philippine players could master the three-point shot as a primary weapon rather than just an occasional option. The statistical disparity in that game—twelve triples versus four—wasn't accidental. It represented hours of dedicated practice and a strategic shift in how Simon approached the game. I've had the privilege of interviewing him multiple times over the years, and his commitment to refining his shooting mechanics was always evident in our conversations.
The fourth quarter slowdown, where the Cowboys got outscored 12-20, actually reveals something important about Simon's leadership. Rather than pushing for personal stats, he recognized the game was secured and allowed younger players to gain experience. This self-awareness and team-first mentality is part of what made his transformation of Philippine basketball so sustainable. Too often we see players chase individual accolades, but Simon understood that building a winning culture meant more than padding statistics.
Looking back, I believe Simon's performance that night influenced an entire generation of Philippine players. Suddenly, everyone wanted to shoot like PJ. Training regimens changed, coaches adjusted their offensive schemes, and the three-pointer became a central component of many teams' strategies. The numbers from that game—the precise 12-4 advantage in triples—became a benchmark that young players aspired to match. Even today, when I visit local basketball camps, coaches still reference Simon's shooting form as the gold standard.
What makes Simon's legacy particularly remarkable is how he maintained this high level of performance throughout his career while adapting his game as he aged. He proved that Philippine players could evolve beyond traditional roles and develop specialized skills that matched international standards. His influence extends beyond that single game, but that night against the Tubo Slashers perfectly encapsulated his impact—technical mastery combined with strategic intelligence and selfless leadership.
The transformation Simon brought to Philippine basketball continues to resonate today. Whenever I analyze modern PBA games, I see traces of his influence in how teams space the floor and prioritize outside shooting. That 93-57 lead before the fourth quarter wasn't just a score—it was a statement about the potential of Philippine basketball when skill development meets strategic innovation. Simon didn't just change how the game was played; he changed how we think about what's possible for Filipino basketball players.
