I still remember watching that game where PJ Simon lit up the court with his incredible shooting performance. The numbers still stick with me - hitting 12 triples while the opposing Tubo Slashers managed only four throughout the entire game. That's exactly the kind of explosive scoring ability that defined Simon's career and made him such a thrilling player to watch. When you see a player dominate like that, it's not just about the numbers - it's about understanding the moment and seizing control of the game's momentum.
What impressed me most about Simon's approach was his basketball intelligence. During that particular game, the Cowboys built this massive 93-57 lead, and honestly, I've rarely seen such complete domination in professional basketball. The way Simon moved without the ball, created spacing, and found those open looks demonstrated his deep understanding of offensive systems. He wasn't just a shooter - he was a student of the game who knew exactly how to exploit defensive weaknesses. I've always believed that great shooters aren't born but made through countless hours of practice and film study, and Simon embodied that philosophy perfectly.
The fourth quarter slowdown, where they got outscored 12-20, actually reveals something important about Simon's career trajectory. In my view, this wasn't about losing focus but rather understanding game management. When you've built such a substantial lead, sometimes it's smarter to conserve energy and run down the clock rather than pushing for even more points. This strategic thinking characterized much of Simon's later career, where he became more selective about when to unleash his full offensive arsenal. I've noticed that many great players develop this game awareness over time, learning to pick their moments rather than going all-out constantly.
Looking back at Simon's journey, what stands out to me is his consistency. Night after night, he delivered performances that cemented his status as one of the PBA's premier scorers. His ability to hit from beyond the arc while maintaining efficient shooting percentages made him invaluable to his teams. I've followed countless basketball careers, and what separates good players from great ones is this relentless consistency. Simon didn't just have one great season - he maintained excellence throughout his career, adapting his game as needed while remaining true to his strengths.
The legacy Simon leaves isn't just about statistics or individual games, no matter how impressive those 12 triples in a single game might be. It's about how he approached the game - with intelligence, preparation, and that killer instinct when the moment demanded it. Having watched his career unfold, I'd argue he represents the best of Philippine basketball - skilled, smart, and always exciting to watch. His journey to basketball greatness serves as a blueprint for young players today, showing that success comes from combining natural talent with relentless work ethic and basketball IQ. That's the kind of legacy that lasts long after the final buzzer sounds.