THOUGHTS | GIAN MAMUYAC AND THE FOUR-POINT CONTROVERSY

The four-point shot is shaping up to be one of the most controversial rule changes the PBA has ever made.

Then again, so was the three-point shot when it was first introduced.

The only difference is that the three-point rule came from the NBA.

And speaking of NBA innovations, their in-season tournament is kind of like the PBA’s multi-conference setup. More "big deal" games after the eliminations mean more high-stakes matchups. Yes, the in-season tournament isn't really as exciting, but the main match is admittedly fun.

But here’s the thing: when a game is decided by a four-point shot, it feels less like organized basketball and more like something out of a fantasy league.

That brings us to the Gian Mamuyac situation in Game 2. With 7.7 seconds left in regulation, he fouled Calvin Oftana. Now, whether you think Oftana was already in the act of shooting or not, the referees ruled that he was—and awarded him three free throws. He sank all of them, forcing overtime.

While Coach Yeng Guiao was arguing the “act of shooting” call, Coach Chot Reyes was heated for a different reason—he believed Oftana took the shot from the four-point zone. That would’ve meant four free throws, not three. TNT could’ve won it in regulation.

After reviewing the tape, the PBA admitted that it should’ve been four free throws. TNT may have the right to protest, but regardless, they still won the game.

Still, this kind of confusion shows how awkward the four-point rule is. Sure, awarding four points for an almost-halfcourt heave feels fair—it’s a high-risk, low-percentage shot. But four free throws? That’s another story. It just feels off to give a different number of free throws than the points the shot is worth. The inconsistency creates more chaos than excitement.

As for Mamuyac, it’s one of those “you live and you learn” moments. Fouling a jump shooter is an unwritten no-no, but it also shows his commitment—he was fully locked in. He even tried to make up for it with a gutsy play at the buzzer, but the shot just rimmed out.

He’ll grow from this. Many players have made mistakes and bounced back stronger—just look at Oftana’s early struggles, or how June Mar Fajardo evolved from a one-dimensional big to a mid-range shooter and creative passer.

So yes, TNT winning a grand slam would be historic. But seeing Mamuyac and Rain or Shine eventually break through with a title?