SMART CLARK GIGA CITY – Overwhelming were the emotions felt by Scottie Thompson upon learning that his beloved grandmother passed away last October.
Worse, he could not even pay his last respects. He and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel were already inside the PBA bubble at that time, and no one was allowed to exit and re-enter as part of the league’s strict health protocols.
But as crushing as it may seem, the 27-year-old simply turned it into fuel to work even harder during the season. For Thompson, every game was in her honor, and he was keen to win the championship for her.
Wednesday night came. And his Lola is definitely smiling from the heavens above for what his “apo” and the Gin Kings have accomplished.
The Barangay conquered the TNT Tropang Giga, 82-78, in Game Five of the Finals to capture the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup crown, ending the franchise’s 13-year title drought in the most prestigious conference.
Thompson himself now has a fistful of championships in a collection that also features a Finals Most Valuable Player award. But more than the personal accolades, he’s just extremely glad that he won the chip for his grandma.
“‘Yung pangako ko sa kanya na i-offer ko sa kanya yung championship, sobrang thankful kay God kasi binigyan niya ‘ko ng chance na mabigay ko sa lola ko ‘to,” said the 6-foot-1 guard moments after the match.
Now, he can finally fly back home in the next few days so that he can visit his Lola — something he’s been raring to do.
“Inaantay ko talaga tong moment na to kasi para after nito, makauwi ako sa’min, mabisita ko siya,” the Digos City-native said.
“Lola, kung saan ka man ngayon, para sa’yo talaga ‘to, and patuloy mo akong suportahan.”
