ONE out of two is better than nothing at all for Scottie Thompson.
The University of Perpetual Help star may not have landed at his favorite team, but at least he’s now under his favorite coach in the PBA.
Barangay Ginebra made Thompson the fifth overall pick in the draft on Sunday at Robinsons Place Manila.
Thompson had been vocal of his desire to play for Star, his favorite team ever since, yet he went to the Gin Kings, who, luckily is now handled by Tim Cone, his favorite coach.
“Hindi ako napunta sa favorite team ko, pero napunta naman ako sa favorite coach ko na matagal na, so sobrang blessed pa rin,” Thompson said.
[See Cone says Thompson a 'special and uncommon talent']
The reigning NCAA MVP believes he will fit seamlessly into Cone’s triangle offense, the same system run by the Altas under Aric and Lester del Rosario. Aric was a former Cone assistant at Alaska.
“Most of the time 'yun rin yung tinatakbo namin sa Perpetual, kaya feelling ko madali ako maka-fit sa system,” Thompson beamed.
The all-around combo guard from Digos City believes he will also learn a lot from his veteran teammates especially from fellow playmakers LA Tenorio and Co.
“Sobrang blessed ako dahil alam so marami akong matututunan sa kanila.”
Not to mention he’s going to play for the league’s most popular team that’s out to end a long championship drought.
“Sobrang sarap maglaro sa Ginebra kasi number one sila sa crowd,” said Thompson, who drew the loudest cheers from the crowd after his name was called.