When people ask me if it’s possible to excel at basketball when you’re shorter than the average player, I always think of Marcio Lassiter’s performance last Sunday. In that crucial PBA Commissioner’s Cup game, with just two minutes left on the clock and San Miguel trailing, Lassiter—who stands at 6’2”, not exactly towering by pro standards—drained two consecutive three-pointers that sealed an 85-78 victory over Magnolia. Watching him create that separation and knock down those shots, it struck me that height isn’t the barrier many believe it to be. Sure, being tall helps, but basketball has always rewarded skill, intelligence, and relentless effort just as much, if not more. Over the years, I’ve seen plenty of undersized players not only survive but dominate, and I’ve picked up a few insights myself from observing legends and coaching younger athletes.

Let’s start with the most obvious one: shooting. If there’s one skill that truly equalizes height differences, it’s the ability to shoot from distance. Think about it—when you’re shorter, driving into the paint against taller defenders can feel like running into a wall. But if you develop a reliable outside shot, you force defenders to respect you on the perimeter. That’s exactly what Lassiter did; he didn’t try to challenge Magnolia’s bigs near the rim. Instead, he used screens and quick footwork to find just enough space beyond the arc. I always tell players I work with to aim for at least 500 made shots per day in practice. It sounds excessive, but repetition builds muscle memory, and in high-pressure moments like those final two minutes, your body remembers what to do even when your mind is racing. I’ve found that shorter players who shoot 38% or better from three-point range tend to stay on the court longer, because they stretch the defense and create opportunities for everyone.

Another area where shorter players can shine is ball handling. The best guards in the world—Isaiah Thomas, Chris Paul, even local PBA standouts—have one thing in common: they protect the ball like it’s gold. Defenders will try to use their length to disrupt your dribble, so you’ve got to be low, agile, and unpredictable. I remember coaching a high school point guard who was maybe 5’8” on a good day. We drilled crossover moves, behind-the-back dribbles, and hesitation moves until they became second nature. By his senior year, he was averaging only 1.5 turnovers per game despite being double-teamed regularly. That kind of control doesn’t happen overnight; it requires dedicating at least 20-30 minutes of every practice solely to dribbling drills, preferably under defensive pressure.

Then there’s the mental side of the game. I can’t stress this enough: basketball IQ is your secret weapon. When you’re shorter, you need to anticipate plays before they develop. Study film, learn opponents’ tendencies, and understand spacing like the back of your hand. In that San Miguel vs. Magnolia game, Lassiter didn’t just shoot—he moved without the ball, found gaps in the defense, and positioned himself where he could make an impact. Personally, I’ve always believed that shorter players who watch at least three hours of game footage per week have a noticeable edge. They see things others don’t, and that split-second decision-making can be the difference between a turnover and an assist.

Defense is another area where effort trumps height. You might not block many shots, but you can be a pest—quick hands, active feet, and relentless energy. Steals, deflections, and forcing offensive fouls can change the momentum of a game. I admire players like Paul Desiderio, who, despite not having elite size, averaged 1.8 steals per game in the PBA last season by staying disciplined and reading passing lanes. On defense, I encourage shorter athletes to focus on lateral quickness and staying low in a stance. It’s exhausting, but it pays off. In my own playing days, I wasn’t the tallest, but I prided myself on shutting down opponents through sheer tenacity.

Conditioning can’t be overlooked either. Shorter players often need to work harder on both ends of the floor, so stamina becomes critical. I recommend high-intensity interval training mixed with court sprints. One drill I love is the “suicide series”—back and forth across the court repeatedly until you’re gasping. It builds the kind of endurance that lets you outlast taller opponents in the fourth quarter. Look at how Lassiter stayed fresh until the final buzzer; I’d bet his training includes plenty of cardio work alongside skill sessions.

Lastly, embrace the underdog mentality. Use any doubts about your height as fuel. I’ve seen too many players get discouraged early, but the ones who make it have a certain swagger—a belief that they belong. It’s not about being arrogant; it’s about trusting your preparation. When Lassiter took those threes, he didn’t hesitate. He’d practiced that shot thousands of times, and in that moment, confidence met opportunity.

So, can you excel at basketball when you’re short? Absolutely. It’s about mastering the fundamentals, playing smart, and bringing relentless energy. Lassiter’s performance was a perfect example—those two threes weren’t lucky; they were the result of years of honing his craft. Whether you’re playing in the PBA or at the local court, remember that height is just a number. Skill, heart, and preparation will always matter more.