There was no semblance of disappointment in Scottie Thompson’s face two days after he, Art Dela Cruz, and Greg Slaughter became the final cuts of Gilas Pilipinas for the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Besides helping Ginebra boot out San Miguel in the quarterfinals of the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday, the 6-foot-1 utility guard knew that he already did his part for the national team.
“Oo, wala naman sa akin ‘yun kasi nandun kami, representing Ginebra rin naman. Kumbaga, tutulong kami para sa team,” the Davaoeno shared.
“I think, ‘yun talaga yung role namin sa team, na mapabilis ‘yung pag-understand ng mga players sa system ni Coach Tim. Parang staff na rin kami para makatulong makuha ‘yung sistema ni Coach Tim.”
Out of Cone’s pool, six came from Barangay Ginebra. Surprisingly, the cuts were all Gin Kings as well.
But ever since the team’s sessions began, Thompson had been focused on teaching the likes of Chris Ross and Kiefer Ravena the intricacies of Cone’s playbook.
The 26-year-old produce of Perpetual Help will still be cheering his heart out for Gilas when it begins its bid for an 18th gold on December 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Oo naman kasi siyempre tayo ‘yung host eh, so kailangan full support tayo.
“Sinabi ko kahit na na-cut kami, hindi naman talaga kami na-cut talaga sa team. Dun lang sa maglalaro sa SEA Games. So nandun kami na tutulong sa kanila,” he closed.
