Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ginebra has had a plethora of iconic point guards in its history, from the legendary Robert Jaworski to Bal David and Pido Jarencio.
Jayjay Helterbrand then carried that mantle for much of the 2000s and early 2010s, winning the MVP plum in 2009.
And now that Helterbrand had stepped away from the league at the end of the 2016-2017 season, Scottie Thompson wants to eventually hold the distinction as Ginebra’s top guard .
“Jayjay is Jayjay, what he gave to Ginebra will never be replicated,” said Thompson in Filipino Friday in Ginebra’s practice facility at Upper Deck Sports Center.
“I hope that one day I can make my own name in Ginebra, but as of now I’m just blessed that I’m part of this team.”
Thompson was drafted fifth overall in the 2015 Draft and eventually became part of the All Rookie and All Star teams in 2016.
He then continued to grow as one of the team’s more reliable dogs, pairing with fellow All Star LA Tenorio in orchestrating Ginebra’s offense.
Thompson said he feels the pressure to fill the void Helterbrand left, but it’s a challenge he would graciously accept.
“Of course there’s pressure, but that’s the challenge because not everyone is given this chance,” said Thompson, who is a two-time champion in the PBA at just 24-years-old. “I’ll accept the challenge and I always work in practice what I can give to the team.”