All roads will lead to the historic SMART Araneta Coliseum this coming Sunday as another chapter of the rivalry between the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Star Hotshots will be written once again.
And one of those looking forward to the heavyweight clash is Gin Kings sophomore Scottie Thompson, who has been through a lot of tough battles with the Hotshots, be it in the elimination rounds or in playoff matches.
“As always naman, Manila Clasico, it has always been a tough game,” said the 24-year-old regarding this conference’s Manila Clasico. “Lahat excited, siyempre. Maraming fans expected.
“Kami naman bibiigay lang namin best namin. Ready na kami.”
But for Thompson, who is averaging 7.83 points, 4.83 rebounds, and 7.67 assists this conference, their game against Star is actually the start of a challenging haul as the 2017 Governors’ Cup playoffs is nearing.
The Barangay, currently the league’s hottest team with a five-game winning streak, are just a win away from the quarterfinals. But clinching the spot will be tough as Ginebra has yet to face Star, the Blackwater Elite, San Miguel Beermen, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, and TNT Katropa.
But as what the Gin Kings usually do, they are all taking it one game at a time.
“Like what coach Tim (Cone) said, tapos na kami sa mga bottom teams. Sunod na mga kalaban namin, top teams naman,” said the Davao Del Sur-native.
“Kailangan namin makakuha ng isa, so one game at a time lang.”