Barangay Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Scottie Thompson has a goal for Ginebra and its young guns in the PBA Governors’ Cup: Be a “role model.”
Thompson showed how serious he was about making his objective come to fruition on Tuesday night.
Setting an example, Thompson led the Gin Kings in more ways than one with a dazzling display in a highly anticipated rematch against Blackwater.
READ: PBA: Ginebra beats Blackwater in rematch on Scottie Thompson triple-double
“I think, overall, we need to be better as a team. For sure, personal goals are there but to be better, we have to think of the bigger picture,” said the 31-year-old Thompson, who is already in his ninth season in the league, in Filipino.
“As a veteran, I need to be a role model for the new guys to do what coach makes us do in practice so they can follow us. That’s the key for us to make them buy into the system. So far, they’re adjusting to the system and hopefully, it continues.”
Thompson led the way with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in a 112-98 victory that hiked Ginebra’s record to 4-2 in Group B.
READ: PBA: Big part of Ginebra’s future, RJ Abarrientos focuses on present
His play rubbed off on his teammates with rookie RJ Abarrientos scoring 15 points on 55 percent shooting from the field and sophomore sensation Stephen Holt collecting 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
“If you don’t have your main guys executing, then the other guys would be like, ‘why should we?’ So it’s so crucial for Scottie and the other guys to have such a high buy-in with what we do,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone, whose squad bounced back from a stunning 95-88 loss to the Bossing last August 30.
“When they do things with a detailed approach, the new guys buy into it and that’s where your system really percolates a little bit,” he added.