From making the whole Barangay proud, Scottie Thompson might soon be having the whole country beaming with pride.
The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel star is now part of the Gilas Pilipinas program, as he was named to the national team pool in its upcoming battles against Iran and Qatar in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Thompson attended the Nationals’ first practice session for the Qualifiers on Monday at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City, and the high-leaping guard could not contain his excitement as he shared the floor with established pros.
“Masaya kasi ako young blood dito sa grupong ito. Handa akong matuto sa mga veterans. Ang laking experience sa akin to para sa long term na career ko. Andito lahat ng veterans,” said the former Sinag Pilipinas member in 2015.
“Handa akong makinig at handa akong matuto.”
It was truly awe-inspiring to see the amount of talent in the facility on Monday night. Thompson shared the court with his fiercest rivals, especially feisty guards such as Paul Lee, Marcio Lassiter, and Alex Cabagnot.
Now that he has an opportunity to play with those stars, the 25-year-old combo guard looks forward to dishing out dimes to them.
“Siyempre, hirap na hirap ka bantayan sina kuya Alex, Paul Lee tapos Marcio. Ngayon, excited nako pasahan sila,” said the 6-foot-1 cager, who has posted a handful of triple-doubles in the PBA.
“Gusto ko makapag-assist sa kanila.”
Thompson has said before that everything happening in his career right now has happened fast – he’s just in his third year in the league, but he’s already a three-time champ, a Finals MVP, and now a national team member.
So for the proud son of Digos, Davao del Sur, he’s not going to waste this rare opportunity to don the country’s red, white, and blue.
“Sabi ko sa mga ibang teammates ko, masyadong mabilis. Hindi ako nagmamadali para rito kasi early pa naman sa career ko. Para sa akin, marami pang time pero dumating na itong opportunity na ito,” he said.
“‘Di ko na sasayangin. Igra-grab ko na ito. Gagawin ko yung best ko.”
