SCOTTIE Thompson is thrilled to make a homecoming of sorts as Barangay Ginebra makes it PBA Commissioner’s Cup debut in Davao City on Saturday against Phoenix.
The Gin Kings’ sophomore sensation is from Digos, south of the Davao del Sur capital city, but spent his last two years of high school in the metro at Agro-Industrial Foundation College where he found some of his lifelong friends, before moving to University of Perpetual Help in Las Pinas in college.
“Oo, excited,” Thompson said after practice on Thursday on the eve of their flight to Davao. “Tsaka sigurado gastos sa ticket kasi sobrang – ngayon pa lang – ang dami ng nagte-text kung may ticket ako. Ino-order ko pa sa management namin.”
“May bigay yung Ginebra (na ticket), pero syempre sobrang dami talaga, kukulangin eh, so kailangan ko umorder pa siguro mga singkuwenta,” he added with a chuckle. “Sana mabigyan ko sila lahat.”
[See Sol Mercado in doubt for Ginebra debut after tweaking knee in practice]
When he does, expect them to pack the University of Southeastern Philippines gym and cheer for the Gin Kings sensation.
“Ready na kami magpakita buong team sa Davao,” Thompson, who brought some of his family to practice on Thursday, beamed.
The Gin Kings and the Fuel Masters also met in a road game in a northern Davao province last year in Panabo, hometown of Phoenix CEO Dennis Uy.
The Gin Kings hope to catch up in terms of game-shape with the Fuel Masters, who already have three games under their belt, losing twice.
“Nag-twice a day kami last week tsaka kahapon, so we’re better in shape na,” Thompson said. “Tsaka before the break naman, sinabi na sa amin ni coach Tim na wag kami masyado magpawala sa shape, so yun,” he added.