Chris Banchero etches name in history books with first-ever four-pointer
At A Glance
- Chris Banchero's name is forever etched in the history of basketball as the first-ever player to have hit a four-point shot in an official game and he was just glad to be the one to achieve it.
Chris Banchero’s name is forever etched in the history of basketball as the first-ever player to have hit a four-point shot in an official game and he was just glad to be the one to achieve it.

“It’s good to be in the history books,” said Banchero, knowing full well that the first player who could hit the new PBA innovation was highly anticipated by the fans in Meralco's 99-94 opening game win over Magnolia.
“It’s just a little bit further than it was at the last conference. It’s not that crazy for me. But, it’s good. I’m happy I made it,” he added.
Banchero hit the mark from 27 feet at the 10:27 mark of the second quarter as he received a kick-out pass from a driving Allen Durham.
While Banchero said he was not really looking into making the four-pointer, he said that he felt good catching the ball so might as well hoist one from way deep.
“You don’t want to force it from the four-point line. Just because it’s a four-point, you want to catch it in rhythm. I usually shoot from that range. It comes naturally. You don’t want to force it from there. It’s a bit further,” he added.
Banchero’s shot was not the first try from the four-point line with Chris Newsome and rookie teammate CJ Cansino also trying it out. Magnolia’s Mark Barroca seemingly tried it but was caught stepping on the line, ruling his made shot from distance as just a triple.
Jerrick Ahanmisi also tested the four-point shot to end the first half but missed it. Even Hotshots import Glenn Robinson tried to win the game with the four-point shot with Magnolia only trailing by three late in the game.
In all, only three four pointers were made in the game with Jolo Mendoza also banking in one late in the second quarter and Paul Lee drilling it early in the final frame to cut Meralco’s then 14-point lead to just 10.
“You have to adjust to it,” Banchero said. “It’s a big play. Four-pointers can put you back in the game. We were only up by four points. They could have hit one and given it a chance. It’s fun playing with them.
“We will see how it goes, this conference. We will see if they want to keep it,” said Banchero.