BACOLOD CITY – Meralco big man Raymond Almazan emerged as the surprise champion in the three-point shootout in the 2024 PBA All-Star and he has a lot to thank to former three-point king Paul Lee.

Almazan said the Magnolia star, who has been a streaky shooter not just in such competitions but also in actual games, gave him some tips heading into the shootout.

“Sa totoo lang I didn’t expect it gusto ko lang pumasok sa next round pero I want to take it to Paul kasi every all star nagsushooting siya, kaya alam ko yung diskarte sa three-point shot,” said Almazan, who bested some of the league’s best stretch forwards and centers in Terrafirma’s Isaac Go and Blackwater’s Christian David.

“Wag ka mag madali kasi kailangan mo yung rhythm mo eh kailangan mo ng good start so I think nakatulong iyon kanina duon sa three-point shootout,” added the veteran center.

Almazan did take Lee’s advice to heart.

While he started out cold after missing his first three shots on the first rack, Almazan took off and got his rhythm on the second rack and went on to bury the first three attempts on his money ball rack right at his sweet spot on top of the key.

“Top of the key talaga iyon talaga yung pinaka paborito ko kaya nandun lahat ng money ball eh so nung nakuha ko rhythm ko yung din ung sabi ni Paul talaga kunin mo yung rhythm mo sa money balls sobrang importante ng money ball,” said Almazan.

Not really a known three-point shooter during games, Almazan was glad to become the very first champion of the big man’s edition of the contest which served as a replacement to this year’s slam dunk contest.

“I didn't expect na ganun yung lalabas  na result kasi ang daming shooters na big eh gaya nina Isaac sina David, di naman talaga big man yan mga stretch three two guys yang mga yan,” furthered Almazan.

 “I was so happy na ako yung unang nanalo sa three-point shooting,” he added.