Cone says Ginebra pick Thompson could be next Caguioa, Helterbrand

Scottie Thompson and Ginebra coach Tim Cone. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ginebra coach Tim Cone is well aware of what his new recruit Earl Scottie Thompson is capable of.

The multi-title mentor knows that the reigning NCAA MVP can blossom into a star for the Gin Kings.

“I think Scottie has a chance to be special,” he said. “You never know until he plays but he has a very pro game. He’s very patient. He reads things extremely well and I think that’s an uncommon ability that not all players have.”

READ: No. 5 pick Scottie Thompson excited to play for Tim Cone in Ginebra

Plucked fifth in the first round of the 2015 Gatorade PBA Rookie Draft, Thompson is seen by Cone as a cornerstone for the future for the Gin Kings,

“Two or three years, when Jayjay retires and Mark decides to end his career, we might have someone to take his place and be a star.”

Cone admitted that he was torn between Norbert Torres, who eventually ended with Cone’s former team Star, and Thompson.

“We really debated between him and (Norbert) Torres because I’m a big man coach.” cone said, “Any other draft, I would’ve drafted Torres. Obviously we had Scottie as our number one guard in the draft. Generally, you take a big over a small, but feel Scottie might turn out to be special. ”

READ: Tautuaa, Rosario go 1-2 in 2015 PBA Draft; Ginebra lands Thomspon

Thompson, though, will not be immediately joining Ginebra due to his commitments with Perpetual in the NCAA but Cone is willing to wait for his prized acquisition.

“He plays for my old pal and friend, assistant coach Aric (del Rosario) and one of my favorite persons ever. I’ll talk to coach and see if we can work something out, but right now, his focus is Perpetual and to win an NCAA championship,” he said. “We got guys who can fill his void. We’re not looking for him to contribute immediately. We want him to contribute quickly, but not immediately.” CFC