Scottie Thompson is a PBA champion and Most Valuable Player who can strut his stuff against stronger and bigger foes outside the Philippines.
As good as Scottie Thompson had been in the PBA, there were naysayers who believed he was not built for international play.
Thompson had proven them wrong.
On Thursday, Nov. 21, the do-it-all Ginebra star reminded everyone he can do wonders for Gilas Pilipinas.
Scottie Thompson turns doubters into believers with his performance for Gilas Pilipinas against New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers on Thursday, Nov. 21. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
In the Nationals' historic 93-89 win over New Zealand in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, Thompson submitted 12 points, four rebounds and six assists.
“I remember a time — and I remember this time very distinctly — where there was a lot of talk that Scottie can't play at the international game. I don't know if you guys remember that, but there were a lot of people saying he can't play in the international game because he can't shoot,” Gilas mentor Tim Cone said shortly after the match at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“But in my mind, there's never been any doubt. And, in his mind, there's never any doubt.”
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It was not just Thompson's tremendous rebounding ability and timing that separate him from the rest of the field.
At 6-foot-1, Thompson can also put the cuffs on his foe. Over the last couple of years, he has also developed his range.
“The thing with Scottie is you can look at video all you want, but until you actually get on the floor and play against him, you don't realize what he's doing out there on the floor for you. His defense is spot on, his hustle on the defensive side is spot on and he's really, really worked hard on improving his shot,” Cone added of the former NCAA Most Valuable Player.
“And so, he's not a guy you can just step off of anymore. And his ability to get to the rim and create has always been there. He's been that triple-double machine ever since he was at Perpetual," he went on.
Though his Ginebra charge's all-around outing did not surprise Cone anymore, he still couldn’t help but be amazed of how well-rounded Thompson has become.
“So, to me, it's not a surprise. But just because it's not a surprise doesn't make it [any less] amazing. It's still amazing the things he does, but it's not a surprise to us and it's not a surprise to Kai and all of his teammates,” Cone said.
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Thompson and Gilas will next face Hong Kong with hopes of ending the second window with a perfect 4-0 record in Group B action for a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia.
Match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. still at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.