Top Flight Sports Canada became the first global team to win it all in NBTC Division after besting Eco Green Makati on Sunday, March 24, in the Division 2 finale.
Justin Thompson didn’t seem uncomfortable answering questions about his brother and Barangay Ginebra star Scottie Thompson.
After all, the elder Thompson’s presence did help him deliver in Top Flight Sports Canada’s NBTC Division 2 conquest on Sunday, March 24 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Yes po,” he said when asked in the aftermath of a thrilling 95-93 overtime win over Eco Green Makati.
He made his big brother proud.
The young cager actually delivered when the going got tough, scoring on a layup off a beautiful euro step as the team became the first global team to win it all in NBTC's second division.
“Mindset ko po nun, diresto na po kasi wala na ako mapasahan. Naka-deny na sila lahat. Na-tsambahan. Binigay ni Lord,” said the younger Thompson, who despite finishing with just three points, got the biggest basket anyway.
[RELATED STORY: Scottie Thompson is a proud kuya as brother Justin hits winner to claim NBTC Division 2 championship]
But the 19-year-old cager was also quick to admit he was pressured to deliver after seeing Chris Ross and Simon Enciso of the reigning PBA Commissioner’s Cup champions San Miguel Beermen courtside.
“Na-pressure kasi ako andun sila kuya Chris Ross and [Simon Enciso]," Thompson said of his brother's PBA peers. "Tiwala lang ako sa sarili ko and kay God, binigay sa'min 'tong panalo,” he added.
Fortunately for him, he was able to come up big in the clutch after being quiet for the most part of the game, giving everyone a fantastic finish they wouldn't soon forget.
Moments like that, Thompson said, will go a long way in his basketball career. It gives him the supreme confidence he needs entering his rookie year with the Perpetual senior team in the NCAA Season 100.
“Nakaka-boost po ng confidence kasi upcoming Season 100 ng NCAA. Maglalaro po ako sa Perps. Malaking boost sa career ko,” he said.
[RELATED STORY: NBTC: Fil-Am Nation pulls away late, clips Adamson to bag Division 1 crown]