University of Perpetual Help System DALTA has honored former student-athlete and current Ginebra playmaker Earl Scottie Thompson by retiring his NCAA jersey number 6. The retirement ceremony took place on February 16, 2023, at the UPHSD-Las Pinas City Gym II, and was attended by university officials, alumni, students, school officials, and fans of the beloved alumnus.
In his speech, Thompson expressed his gratitude to his teammates, the Tamayo family, and the Perpetual community for their continued support. He also affirmed his pride in being a “True Blood Perpetualite.”
“I’m so blessed to be here together with my teammates, the whole Tamayo family, and Perpetual community na patuloy po na sumusuporta sa akin,” exclaimed Thompson.
“Isa po ako sa true-blooded Perpetualite.”
Meanwhile, UPHSD and Dalta Group of Companies CEO and Chairman of the Board Dr./BGen. Antonio L. Tamayo praised Thompson’s work ethic and acknowledged his significant contribution to the Perpetualite family.
Joseph Thompson, Scottie’s father, expressed his appreciation for the Perpetual community’s efforts to pay tribute to his son. He recalled a time when Scottie suffered a back injury in his third year with the Altas and how worried he was. Joseph added that he is proud of his son’s accomplishments but always reminds him to remain humble and never think that he is on top of the world.
“As a father, I’m very proud of Scottie. But like any other father, I always tell him to be humble and never think that he is on top of the world,” said Joseph.
UPHSD President Anthony Tamayo confirmed that Thompson would always be welcome in the Perpetualite family. He added that the university’s doors would always be open to Thompson and that the values of hard work and faith in God are pathways to success.
“Once a Perpetualite, always a Perpetualite. Our doors will always be welcome to Scottie. He has shown us that the Perpetualite values of hard work and faith in God are pathways to success,” he said.
Anton Tamayo, Perpetual Altas Team Manager, praised Thompson as one of the most exciting players to take to the Philippine Basketball Association hardcourt. He said that Thompson exemplifies the never-say-die attitude of Perpetualites, and no matter the challenge, a Perpetualite has what it takes to shine.
Thompson, known for his triple-double and do-it-all performances, played for Perpetual from 2011 to 2015 under the late great coach Aric del Rosario. He captured the NCAA MVP award in Season 88 and has been recognized for his achievements in the field of basketball after being named the PBA MVP and winning seven championships with the Gin Kings and national player under ‘Gilas Pilipinas.’
The retirement ceremony is a testament to the Perpetual community’s appreciation and respect for Thompson’s contributions and achievements, not only in basketball but also in embodying the values and spirit of Perpetualites.
