Scottie Thompson (red) continues to make great strides for Barangay Ginebra. —August DELA CRUZ
Scottie Thompson completed a basketball resume at the age of 29.
The tireless player became a national team fixture, seven-time PBA champion, two-time Conference Player of the Year and Finals Player of the Year (MVP) and The most important is the MVP of the season.
Thompson also featured in two recent club specials. He’s been an integral part of the crowd’s 2020 Philippine Cup crowning journey and was a key player in Gin Kings’ recent Commissioner’s Cup win.
“I had a lot of special milestones. I feel so special!” he spoke to the Inquirer in Filipino with a chuckle. “It feels good. Winning a championship always feels special.”
“You know, once you get a win, you don’t think about anything other than helping your team earn more. It’s addictive,” he said.
Thompson knew that it took a certain lifestyle to sustain such an “addiction”. And he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.
“I know I have a lot of work to do in my game. I think I’m still far away [my best]. I need to improve, especially in attack,” he said.
Thompson’s journey toward optimal form resumed on February 5, when Ginebra began defending the Governor’s Cup title.
His first hurdle, interestingly, was Rain or Shine, coached by Yeng Guiao, a Digos City native who played for Gilas.
“I’m not surprised [with how he is now]. Even then, when he was with me at Gilas, I knew that at some point he would improve his play and get better,” fiery Guiao said in a separate interview with the Inquirer. . “I’m not surprised he’s the MVP now.”
“I told him a long time ago that if he could work on his outside shot, he could make a really big fortune,” recalls Guiao. He has improved a lot on that.
No moment better exemplifies Thompson’s touch of the ball better than Ginebra’s knockout in that 2020 all-Philippines rollout. Using his exquisite shooting abilities, he put the Gin Kings past Meralco in the decisive match of the Quarterfinals, and then again against TNT in the Finals.
“I remember telling him… if he can finish his game by shooting three points, he will be very difficult to defend,” Guiao said, shaking his head. “I’m not sure if I blame myself for how hard he’s become to defend.” Guiao felt there was not much time left for Thompson to hit the ball.
“I guess from here—of course, you keep improving your skills. I guess it’s just his decision making and maturity now. That’s where his growth is headed.”
Thompson said he’s always open to tweaking his game.
“I guess there’s only one thing that never changes, and that’s trying your best,” he said. request
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