Ginebra star rookie Scottie Thompson. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Just like that, Scottie Thompson’s training wheels were off and his ride with the big boys immediately started.
After entering the PBA as the fifth overall pick of Barangay Ginebra, Thompson got the same treatment Tim Cone normally gives rookies: Minutes here and there for a chance to prove himself.
But when the Governors’ Cup came around, he made an immediate impact and became a vital cog in the championship series against Meralco.
Thompson became the starting point guard of the Kings in the season-ending tournament and the rookie out of University of Perpetual Help became an important piece in Ginebra’s quest for a title after eight years of struggle.
His all-around skills gave Ginebra another scoring option and a playmaker with the knack for hitting the open man. His nose for the rebound purchased for the Kings additional possessions that proved crucial.
But Thompson refused to take credit, choosing instead to thank the team’s veterans for helping him grow.
“I told the veterans, ‘thank you, thank you, thank you,’ because they were the ones who really pushed me to be better,” said Thompson Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum after the Gin Kings took a 91-88 victory over the Bolts.
“I also hugged coach Tim Cone (out of gratitude) and he told me ‘nice one rook, first championship, more to go.”
Thompson averaged 7.67 points, six rebounds, and 3.83 assists in six Finals games while sharing playmaking duties with Finals MVP LA Tenorio and Sol Mercado.
“This is a dream come true,” Thompson said.