WHILE he’s currently one of the pro league’s biggest stars, there were lots of eyebrows raised when do-it-all Ginebra playmaker Scottie Thompson was included among the 10 new players in the PBA Greatest list.
Thompson simply rolled with the punches, convinced that people are entitled to their own opinions.
“Ganoon talaga. Sabi ko kanina doon, nire-respeto ko lahat ng opinyon ng iba, kung pangit man iyong opinyon o maganda, ni-rerespeto ko lahat kasi pananaw nila iyon,” Thompson said. “Mayroon naman tayong iba’t ibang pananaw sa buhay, nasa free world tayo so lahat puwede magsalita kahit ano man iyon.
“For me, blessed and honored na napabilang dito kasi hindi natin alam kung kailan ulit darating iyong opportunity na ganito so thank you Lord sa ganitong pagkakataon,” he added.
The 6-foot-1 ace of the Kings bagged the MVP award in 2021, making his inclusion in the rarefied field a no-brainer.
The former Perpetual Help standout and fifth overall pick in the 2015 Draft was formally added to the elite group during the PBA 50 Greatest gala night last Friday at the grand ballroom of the Solaire Resort North in Quezon City.
Nelson Asaytono bannered the list along with Blackwater coach Jeffrey Cariaso, reigning eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, Bong Hawkins, Abe King, Danny Seigle, the late Arnie Tuadles, Manny Victorino, and Yoyoy Villamin.
Fajardo and Thompson are the only active players and MVPs among the new honorees.
Perhaps Thompson, 31, can use the bashing of naysayers and unbelievers to add more individual laurels and titles, beginning with Ginebra’s campaign in the Philippine Cup.
“Looking forward kami sa All-Filipino but for now we have to work more. Mayroon pa kaming time to practice and to jell more na makapag-adjust na without Brownlee,” he said. “So, it’s All-Filipino so I think we’re ready naman this conference.
“Alam naman natin, of course, maraming malalakas most especially San Miguel Beer and of course, TNT ulit so it’s 50-50 iyong chance namin. Lahat naman 50-50 sa All-Filipino so iyon, excited. Excited kasi at the same time, 50 years na ang PBA, i-celebrate natin ang All-Filipino ngayong conference.”
