Injuries have bothered University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas’ Earl Scottie Thompson.
The Perpetual team captain had shoulder, ankle, and back injuries hampering his movements all throughout the year. Fortunately, these injuries have yet to hamper the triple-double machine’s performance on the court.
Last Tuesday, in an 86-83 win over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, the Smart Elite ambassador tallied 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 17 assists for his third triple-double of the season. With their victory, the Altas ended the first round with third straight win for a 7-2 win-loss slate.
“Takot ako nung na-injured siya. Pero nakapag-ensayo siya before the game,” his head coach Aric del Rosario said about the determination of his floor general. “Takbo-takbo. Maganda ang pakiramdam ng paa niya kaya nakalaro siya nang ganun.”
This honor capped Thompson’s magical week as he was also drafted in the recently concluded PBA Rookie Draft. He was picked fifth overall by, arguably, the league’s most popular team, the Barangay Ginebra Kings.
Thompson edged out fellow Smart Elite ambassador and good friend Jio Jalalon of Arellano University for the honors.
Jalalon and the Chiefs handed the defending champions, the San Beda Red Lions, their second loss of the season last Tuesday. The Cagayan de Oro-native tallied a statline of 22 points (9/17 shooting), six rebounds, eight assists, and four steals.
