WINNING the MVP award means a lot to Scottie Thompson, especially after overcoming controversies that rocked his personal life the past few years.
While he stood out on the court, the Ginebra star found himself in the middle of a storm off it, particularly after a much-publicized break-up with girlfriend Pau Fajardo and the subsequent wedding with Jinky Serrano.
To be able to withstand the turbulence and the social media backlash made the MVP award all the more sweeter, Scottie said.
“[This MVP award] means a lot sa akin kasi ‘yung hardwork ko, ‘yung mga nangyari sa buhay ko, ang dami, di ba? On and off the court,” said Thompson shortly after receiving the MVP trophy during the Leo Awards.
"Na-manage ko ‘yung career ko through hard work and discipline and faith kay God. Nandito ako ngayon, nakuha ko ‘to. Sobrang blessed."
[See Scottie caps dream PBA season with MVP award]
Despite the off-court distractions, Thompson played at a different level to win Best Player of the Conference honors during the Governors’ Cup. He went on to capture the Finals MVP award after the Kings beat Meralco in the finals.
Thompson said the MVP trophy will fuel him to improve even more.
“Truly honored and blessed sa award na ‘to. Pressured pero at the same time, motivated and inspired. Malaking bagay ang achievement na ‘to. Nakaka-boost ng confidence,” said the former NCAA star at Perpetual Help.
He offered the MVP award to the entire team but at the same time braced for the weight of expectations that will come with it.
“After nitong award na ‘to, I think as a player, kailangan ko rin mag-mature. Kailangan ko rin ma-lead ang team. Malaking panghahawakan ‘tong nakuha ko ngayon especially ‘yung expectations ng team, mga fans, and management.
"Mahirap pero I’m up sa challenge. I’m just so blessed na nandiyan si coach Tim [Cone], coaching staff, Ginebra fans, and ‘yung mga beterano namin na nandiyan pa rin na naga-guide sa akin,” Thompson said.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph