The San Miguel Beermen have been synonymous with winning for the past four years. Under coach Leo Austria's guidance, the Beermen have yet to lose a Finals series and are winners of five championships in nine conferences.
As San Miguel continues to stake its claim as the team of the decade, players have also seen their legacy and stock rise to great heights. Chris Ross, who toiled in obscurity for the Meralco Bolts before joining has become a champion, a Finals MVP, and a Best Player of the Conference award recipient. Alex Cabagnot and Arwind Santos have also found success in this new chapter in their careers. They have won titles, and are also Finals MVPs. And, of course, June Mar Fajardo is still in his prime and adding to an unrivaled body of work.
There has been no shortage of glory for the Beermen during this era. But there's one player for whom the spotlight has proven to be elusive: Marcio Lassiter, the fifth member of San Miguel's championship five.
Lassiter has never won an MVP, a Finals MVP, or a Best Player of the Conference award. He's a four-time All-Star but was snubbed in 2015 and 2016, at the height of San Miguel's reign. If you ask his teammates, it's perplexing why Lassiter has often been overlooked.
"He's been big for us since we started winning championships," guard Chris Ross said. "For some reason, the outsiders don't see it. I thought it was a super snub that he wasn't included in any of the mythical teams last year. It puzzles me to this day why he's not getting those awards at the end of the year, or why he's not getting any player of the week citations or any of that."
Many players and coaches have talked about the disease of more. When the championships and accolades pour in, many look to grab more of the pie. That can lead to upsetting the balance and chemistry of a championship.
Lassiter could have easily reacted that way. Instead, it's been the exact opposite. Lassiter is at peace with his situation because of the success that he and his teammates have found. Lassiter is happy to have evolved into "Super Marcio" and perhaps the most feared long-range shooter in the PBA.
Lassiter attributes his stellar play this conference to the shoes he's currently rocking.
"I think it's my Paul George, man," Lassiter said. "The PG1s I'm wearing, it might be those."
Maybe it is the shoes. But whatever the reason, Lassiter has elevated his already stellar game to a different level this conference. Lassiter's averages during the elimination round were already impressive: 16.8 points highlighted by 2.9 triples on 35 percent from 3-point range, along with 5.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
But in the semis against Barangay Ginebra, Lassiter was the best player on the floor for San Miguel. He raised his averages to 20.4 points and 4.2 triples at a 44.7 percent clip. He continued his splendid all-around play with 5.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists.
In an injury-ridden conference for the Beermen, Lassiter (and the spectacular Spider-Man Arwind Santos) has been a constant force. When Alex Cabagnot missed more than half of the elimination round due to injuries, it was Lassiter who elevated his game. When Fajardo missed a game for Gilas duty, Marcio was the one receiving the inbound pass from Ross to win the game and avert a disastrous loss to the Kia Picanto.
And against Barangay Ginebra, Lassiter was the one riddle that opponents couldn't solve.
"He's obviously a huge part of what we do," Ross said. "I think in the Ginebra series he averaged more than 20 points a game. He's been really consistent for us, especially with the injuries, He's picked up his offense a lot, lot more. He's been really consistent for us throughout the year."
If there's one knock on Lassiter's game, it's that he's too content at times to stay on the outside, waiting for kickout passes from Fajardo or Santos, or for the ball to swing to him when Cabagnot and Ross are trapped on defense. Not so this conference. Lassiter has showcased the entire arsenal. The ability to put the ball on the floor and finish in traffic, along with the mid-range awkward wrong leg fadeaway that's almost impossible to block.
And the 3-point shooting, his calling card? It's still there and at an elite level.
"I feel like I can always step up," Lassiter admits. "I'm just blessed to be in those positions where I can step up and make plays. That's why all I can do is continue to make plays."
Despite three straight Philippine Cup titles, Lassiter and the rest of San Miguel want more. They don't want more stats or trophies or awards. They're in a perpetual state of pursuit of another championship. That's the primary motivating force as they go for another title against the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok beginning on Friday.
"When you're on this team, you win," Lassiter said about playing for San Miguel. "And you just wanna keep winning. I don't think anyone wants to lose. We have high expectations. Our team, our company has high expectations of us."
"I think all the players on the team are professional about it and work really hard on and off the court," Lassiter said. "So we just try our best to maintain our hunger and continue to just strive for excellence. Playing our brand. We got a lot of good players, so we just have to play together, play as one."
Magnolia is determined to spoil the party. Coach Chito Victolero and the Hotshots have clearly noted what Lassiter has done this conference. Stopping Super Marcio will be a key component of Magnolia's plans to defend San Miguel.
"I know Magnolia will do so much to stop me, and they did the first game we played.," Lassiter said. "They send double teams, they'll trap me on the pick and rolls, they'll face guard me. Pretty much box-and-one me. I know they'll do that to me, so I just gotta come prepared and make sure my teammates get involved."
The Philippine Cup Finals could prove to be a showcase for Marcio Lassiter. His teammates are hoping that's the case, and that everyone takes notice.
"It really puzzles me why isn't getting awards," Ross repeats one last time. "I'm sure he'll be there at the end of the year, as long as we keep on winning."