Triple-double machine Thompson is NCAA week’s best
For reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player Earl Scottie Thompson, putting up big numbers is just another day in the office. And after notching his second triple-double in four games, it’s only fitting that Thompson’s effort be recognized.
The proud son of Digos takes the ACCEL Quantum/3XVI NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week honors after scintillating all-around performances against Mapua and San Sebastian.
Thompson finished with 21 points, 15 rebounds and 14 assists against the Stags to notch his second triple-double of the season and fifth overall.
Against the Cardinals, he was just a point short in getting another triple double, scoring nine points, getting 12 rebounds and having 10 assists.
In total, Thompson is averaging unreal numbers by scoring 14 markers a game, grabbing 12.2 boards and dishing out 9.5 assists.
“Alam ko naman kasi kung gaano sila magpakahirap sa practice kaya talagang hinahanap ko sila. Lahat naman may tiwala ako, di ako namimili ng papasahan. Kung sino yung bakante talaga, lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila na ready to shoot lang sila,” said Thompson when asked about his unselfish ways.
(I know how hard they work in practice so I really try to find them. I trust them all and I don’t choose who I pass to. Whoever is free, I always tell them to be ready to shoot.)
The nice thing about him is that despite his personal achievements, Thompson’s feet still remain on the ground.
Any other player who’ve reached what he’s reached in college won’t be too unselfish, but Thompson is a different player altogether and that was pointed out by veteran and multi-titled head coach Aric del Rosario.
“Sa status ni Scott, pwede na siya magbuwaya eh. Pero mahal nya mga kasama niya, kaya talagang pag may opportunity na ibigay sa mga kakampi niya, pinapasa niya,” he said. “Talagang kahit anong narating niya, team player parin siya. Yun talaga ang kagandahan sa kanya.”
(With Scott, he could be a ballhog. But he cares for his teammates and if there is an opportunity to pass it to them, he does it. Truly, whatever he has accomplished, he’s still a team player. That’s the beauty with him.)
Thompson is the second player from Perpetual Help who was bestowed the weekly honors backed by ACCEL Quantum and 3XVI after Nigerian teammate Bright Akhuetie was adjudged the same a couple of weeks ago.
Thompson edged out fellow Gilas Cadet member Jiovani Jalalon of the Arellano Chiefs for the weekly individual plum.
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