SCOTTIE Thompson said Barangay Ginebra will have big shoes to fill following the retirement of Mark Caguioa and Joe Devance.
“Pinaka-saddest moment sa aming mga players na nabalitaan namin na papasok na conference na ‘to [na nag-retire na sila],” said Thompson shortly after being awarded with the PBA's Season 46 MVP award.
“Pinaka-nalulungkot kami especially kay Kuya Mark. Siya ‘yung front dito. Tapos ngayon, mag-reretire na sila.”
Thompson is the first Ginebra player to win the MVP since Caguioa in 2012, but he insisted that he's still not ready to assume the mantle of leadership from the two players.
“Si Joe, sobrang laking butas na ifi-full-up. Hindi namin alam kung sino magtatapal nun sa team. Si Kuya Mark, sobrang best leader sa amin on and off the court. Siyempre, ‘yung buong Barangay Ginebra fans, hinahanap hanap palagi si Kuya Mark.
[See Scottie caps dream PBA season with MVP award]
“Si Joe, chemistry guy naman. Siya lahat - motivator, leader sa team, captain ball. Si Joe lang ‘yung nakilala kong player na talagang puwede ka niyang kausapin kung ano problema mo, kung ano mali mo, siya ‘yung nag-aayos sa team namin,” said Thompson.
In the two's absence, the former Perpetual Help star is looking at LA Tenorio, Jeff Chan, and Jared Dillinger to fill the leadership void at Ginebra.
“Nandiyan naman si Kuya LA, Kuya Jeff, JD na mag-fill up sa spot na ‘yun. Makikinig pa rin ako sa kanila,” said the 28-year-old MVP.
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