Scottie Thompson’s biggest challenge is just about to come

Mr. Basketball Scottie Thompson with the members of the PBA Press Corps during the PSA Awards Night at Diamond Hotel on March 6. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—After being hailed as this year’s “Mr. Basketball” by the Philippine Sportswriters Association at Diamond Hotel on Monday, Scottie Thompson said the biggest challenge of his life is just about to come.

Thompson and his wife Jinky Serrano’s first child is about to be born in a few months, which the PBA star said will be his toughest—but best–challenge, to date.

“This will be the start of the real challenge of my life, which is to be a father and at the same time, I’m very thankful for my wife with her support,” Thompson said in Filipino at the PSA Awards Night.

“Without her, I probably won’t be in the situation I’m at right now. I’m motivated because of our baby.”

It had been an up-and-down string of days for the reigning PBA MVP.

Just a few weeks ago, the Ginebra guard missed two of the most crucial free throw shots of his career when Jordan defeated Gilas, 91-90.

Fast forward a few days later, he was awarded the “Mr. Basketball” award as the most prominent figure in Philippine Basketball this year.

He hopes to continue his rise as one of the country’s best, praying no injuries come his way.

“One thing I’m really scared of is injuries. Hopefully, I’m healthy throughout my career. These achievements and awards are bonuses but the main goal is to be healthy throughout,” he said.

“Hopefully these things (awards) continue. I’m so blessed that these achievements keep coming into my life. We all know it’s still early in my career so hopefully, I stay blessed. My prayer is just to be healthy throughout my career,” he added.

Currently, Thompson is in a head-to-head race with June Mar Fajardo for the PBA Season 47 MVP award. In the PBA Governors’ Cup, Thompson is averaging 11.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game.

The 29-year-old is currently in Passi, Iloilo for the league’s All-Star festivities. His team Ginebra is entering the break as the second seed with an 8-2 record.