SCOTTIE Thompson is one proud Davaoeno after the region captured the secondary boys crown in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.
Davao Region defeated Western Visayas, 67-51, for the crown, ending a string of five successive runner-up finishes in the Palaro. It was also the first gold medal of DAVRAA (Davao Region Athletic Association) in the Palaro secondary basketball division ever.
Rene Clert Baterbonia won the MVP after helping Davao Region win a historic crown.
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Incidentally, Davao Region head coach Jess Evangelio was a former teammate of Thompson when they played in the Palaro in 2010 in Tarlac.
“Truly proud sa Davao Region especially kay coach Jess Evangelio. Kasama ko siya representing Davao City, 2010, naglaro kami Palarong Pambansa,” said Thompson.
Thompson said Evangelio truly deserved the crown with how hard he has worked in nurturing young players in the region, being also the coach of Ateneo de Davao.
“Para sa kanya ‘yun, binigay ni God sa kanya ‘yun kasi dami niyang history sa Palarong Pambansa. Marami rin beses na siya nakasali as a player, and then binigay ni God sa kanya as a coach na nakuha ‘yung gold medal sa Region 11.
Davao pride
“As a Davaoeno, really proud ako sa kanya, at sa whole team. History sa amin ‘yun,” said Thompson.
Thompson said the Palarong Pambansa will always hold a special place in his basketball career as it was in the competition where he was discovered to play in Manila and play for University of Perpetual Help in the NCAA.
“That’s the turning point sa career ko. Without Palarong Pambansa, hindi ako makakarating sa Manila. Hindi ako makukuha ng Perpetual. Doon ako na-scout. Malaking bagay ‘yung Palarong Pambansa before, lalo na ngayon. Mas malaki ang exposure sa games ngayon sa mga bata,” said Thompson.
Following his exploits at the Palaro, Thompson won multiple awards that included an NCAA MVP in 2014. He later reached the PBA where he became a household name with Barangay Ginebra, capturing seven championships and becoming an MVP in 2021.
He has since given back to Perpetual Help and has served as the team manager of the Altas. Thompson admitted he is trying to recruit some of the players from Davao's Palaro champion team.
“May kinakausap kami. Sana, alam naman natin bakbakan sa pagkuha ng players, high school, collegiate. Grabe. Sana madaan ko sa pakiusap ‘yung teammate ko dati. ‘Yung mga pinakamagaling nila, makuha namin. Kung pwede lahat eh,” Thompson said.
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