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Scottie Thompson has put collectively fairly a basketball resumé at 29 years outdated.
The tireless playmaker has blossomed right into a nationwide workforce fixture, a seven-time PBA champion, a two-time Finest Participant of the Convention and a Finals Most Priceless Participant (MVP) and, most significantly, a season MVP.
Thompson additionally figured prominently in two of the membership’s extraordinary titles lately. He was integral within the crowd darlings’ run to the 2020 Philippine Cup crown and was a key within the Gin Kings’ current Commissioner’s Cup championship.
“I’ve received a whole lot of particular milestones. I really feel like I’m particular!” he informed the Inquirer in Filipino with a chuckle. “It feels good. Profitable a championship at all times feels particular.”
“You realize when you win one, nothing else goes by means of your head however to assist your workforce get extra. It’s addicting,” he mentioned.
Thompson is aware of that there’s a sure life-style required to maintain such an “habit.” And he’s keen to do no matter it takes to have the ability to do exactly that.
“I do know I’ve received much more to work on my sport. I feel I’m nonetheless removed from [my best]. I want to enhance, particularly on offense,” he mentioned.
Thompson’s trek towards an optimum kind resumes on Feb. 5, when Ginebra kicks off its title protection of the Governors’ Cup.
His first hurdle, curiously, is Rain or Shine, which is coached by Yeng Guiao whom the Digos Metropolis native as soon as performed for at Gilas.
“I’m not shocked [with how he is now]. Even then, when he was with me at Gilas, I knew that sooner or later he’ll enhance his sport and get higher” the fiery Guiao mentioned in a separate interview with the Inquirer. “I’m not shocked that he’s now the MVP.”
“I informed him approach again that if he may work on his exterior shot, he may achieve a very large asset,” Guiao recalled. “He has massively improved on that.”
There was no second that higher illustrated Thompson’s capturing contact higher than throughout Ginebra’s playoff run in that 2020 All-Filipino showcase. Utilizing his refined capturing, he buoyed the Gin Kings previous Meralco within the decider of the Closing 4, after which once more versus TNT within the Finals.
“I keep in mind telling him … if he’s in a position to full his sport with three-point capturing, he’d be so powerful to defend,” Guiao mentioned whereas shaking his head. “I’m undecided if I’d blame myself for the way laborious he has develop into to defend.” Guiao feels there’s little left for Thompson to shine.
“I assume from right here—in fact, you don’t cease enhancing your abilities. I assume it’s now simply his decision-making and maturity. That’s the place his progress is headed.”
Thompson mentioned he’s at all times able to tweak to his sport.
“I assume if there’s only one factor that may by no means change, and that’s giving my finest,” he mentioned. INQ
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