James Yap in an interview with the Inquirer on Saturday. Denison Dalupang/INQUIRER
ILOILO CITY — Count James Yap among those who are no longer surprised with the heights Scottie Thompson’s career has reached.
“It took a lot for him to become ‘Scottie Thompson,'” Yap, a former Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player, told the Inquirer. “He went through a lot to get to this point.”
“His play is very entertaining. We could see it in his rebounds alone. And he’s a smart player, too. More importantly, he’s with Ginebra. So it’s no surprise that he quickly made a name (for himself).”
Yap also thinks that having to play under a decorated coach also gave the 29-year-old playmaker a leg up.
“You’re also under Tim Cone,” the 17-time All-Star said. “Coach Tim has been tested (by time). And if you’re playing for him, you’re going to do well. Just follow him and his system.”
Yap won seven of his PBA crowns playing for Cone. Within that tally is a Triple Crown sweep won in 2014, and two league MVPs.
Thompson, meanwhile, already has just as many titles under his name. And the current MVP is only 29.
Yap says Sunday’s main event, which caps off the PBA’s festive caravan in Passi City, is Thompson’s chance to double down on his kingly status in Asia’s pioneering pr league.
“This collection of stars? Scottie’s the face of it. It’s why we’re called Team Scottie,” he said.