IF what transpired in its last game is an indication, Barangay Ginebra may be looking at a bright future.
In just the 10th game of his professional career in the Philippine Basketball Association, Scottie Thompson already proved his worth by flaunting Barangay Ginebra’s never-say-die mantra.
The talented rookie, the fifth overall pick in the draft, showed Barangay Ginebra and its fans what they have in him as he fearlessly spearheaded the Gin Kings’ scintillating comeback from a gigantic 22-point deficit in the second half to trip NLEX, 91-90, last Sunday in a pivotal clash.
Thompson scored 10 of his 14 points in the fourth period as he quarterbacked and scored heavily for Ginebra in its comeback surge. Moreover, it was Thompson’s go-ahead two free throws in the dying seconds that lifted the Gin Kings to victory.
With what Thompson showed, along with his consistent contributions every game, Ginebra coach Tim Cone is convinced that his rookie will certainly be a legitimate force in the PBA.
‘’He (Thompson) just didn’t give up on that game, along with the other guys. I saw firsthand the never-say-die spirit and he led us,’’ said Cone.
The league’s winningest coach, who has handled a lot of superstars in his rich coaching career, knows he’s got a prized catch in the former NCAA Most Valuable Player.
‘’We know what he have in him. He’s a prized possession for us and may very well be a good future for the team,’’ added Cone.
Despite Ginebra being a guard-loaded team, Thompson is still managing to consistently get his minutes from Cone this season and has contributed one way or another.
Thompson helped Ginebra build its 6-4 mark with a game to go. With that huge win over the Road Warriors, the Gin Kings are in a good position to finish in the Top 6 and get a twice-to-bear advantage in the quarterfinals.
While Thompson’s play and Ginebra’s current stand are good news to the team and its fans, there’s also some bad news as well.
In the final possession of that much-talked about Ginebra win over NLEX, Thompson hurt his left shoulder and at the moment, the Gin Kings are holding their breath as their top rookie is undergoing examinations to see the severity of the injury.
But according to Thompson himself, he is optimistic that the shoulder injury isn’t that serious.
‘’Natamaan and nabugbog lang siguro itong shoulder ko kasi wala naman akong narinig na nag-pop. So hopefully, pahinga lang. Wait na lang tayo sa results ng MRI,’’ said Thompson.