Caidic in search of next Triggermen

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA legend known for his impeccable shooting touch is developing a curriculum which he hopes to use in producing a new generation of triggermen for the collegiate, pro and Gilas ranks.

Allan Caidic, 56, averaged 19.6 points in 13 PBA seasons from 1987 to 1999 and to this day, holds the league record for most points in a game by a local, scoring 79 in 1991.  In that contest, Caidic knocked down 17-of-27 from beyond the arc and erupted for 37 points in a quarter as he led Tivoli to a 162-149 win over Ginebra.

Through the years, Caidic has helped a few players find their groove as riflemen but never on a level that approximates what San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Chip Engelland did to improve the shooting skills of the likes of Steve Kerr, Grant Hill, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard.  Caidic plans to institutionalize a scientific program that will teach techniques, form and mental focus culled from experts, including Engelland, around the world and his own experiences as an international star.  Caidic said it’s about giving back and establishing a legacy.

“Over the last three years, I’ve worked with over 20 players from 11 to 19 years old on an individual basis, trying to make them better shooters,” said Caidic.  “I’m happy being in the background, working discreetly with players like Matt and Mike Nieto, their brother LeBron who’s in high school and players from different schools.  I remember back when Accel sponsored a three-point shooting nationwide contest, I realized somehow, I could help players improve their shooting.  I worked briefly with Dylan Ababou, Khazim Mirza, John Wilson and even Kiefer Ravena.  After working at La Salle in the coaching staff, I was a sports consultant with the Cainta LGU for two years, teaching kids in high school.  Now, I’m at the stage of my life where I can transform my experiences as lessons to the next generation of triggermen.”

Caidic said when the coronavirus crisis is over, he intends to visit camps in Korea and the US to pick up more “best practices” in enhancing his curriculum.  He’s planning the trip with his agent and consultant Christian Alvarado.  Once his curriculum is laid out, Caidic said he will submit it to SBP and suggest a Batang Gilas training program with a focus on first to third year high school players.  He said the curriculum will also cover players in advanced levels of development, all the way to the Gilas senior and PBA ranks.

“I’m conceptualizing a total approach where it won’t be only repetition, muscle memory and drills but also the mental attitude to be consistent,” he said.  “You might be exceptional in practice but during a game, you’re not quite as deadly.  I’ll teach players how to find their spot on the floor, how to relocate to get open so it won’t be just form.   The beauty of my work is it’s results-oriented.  I want to improve shooting percentages from the line, three-point distance, mid-range, the corners and scoring averages so it’s very quantitative.  When I played in elementary and high school, I was a center and wasn’t a shooter.  But when I got to UE for college, I set a goal to improve my shooting.  I did extra work before and after team practice.  It was a total effort and involved a lot of sacrifice.  I wanted to be the best shooter I could be.  In FIBA competitions, it’s critical for our national team to hit consistently from the outside.  What will it take to knock down that one three-point shot under pressure with the game on the line?  My dream is to develop a new line of shooters to give us that advantage from the perimeter.”