Scotty Hopson came up big in Converge’s opening win over Terrafirma in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, Aug. 21.
In his first test in the PBA, Converge import Scotty Hopson passed with flying colors.
Hopson exploded with 46 points in the FiberXers’ 127-95 win over Terrafirma to open their PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup campaign on a high note on Wednesday, Aug. 21.
With that, he was given an "A" by Converge interim coach Franco Atienza in his league debut.
“He provided the leadership, the inspiration to the guys. Very proud of this guy,” said Atienza after the match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“He did it on both ends, [on] court and off court. He gives inspiration to the guys. A rating, A rating,” he added.
[WATCH: PBA Player of the Game Highlights: Scotty Hopson catches fire with 46 points in Converge's beatdown of Terrafirma]
The former Cleveland Cavalier shot a perfect 3-for-3 from the four-point line, collared eight rebounds and doled out six assists in the dominant win to jumpstart Converge’s redemption tour.
But there’s more to the 34-year-old cager than his scoring prowess.
[WATCH: PBA Game Highlights: Converge flattens Terrafirma in emphatic start to Governors' Cup campaign]
Hopson, along with veterans Alex Cabagnot and Kevin Racal could be just what the doctor ordered for the youthful, win-starved FiberXers, according to Atienza.
“I think that’s one of the needs of the young team. Of course, you can let them learn, [but] you want to shorten the learning curve. And, maybe a way of shortening that is having some good vets in the bench in practice,” Atienza said.
“They (veterans) are very unselfish. Apart from what they contribute on court, there are so much more they contribute off the court, feeding the minds of our young guns.”
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Hopson is embracing that role.
“I played basketball in a lot of different places and high levels. I’m fortunate enough to play around some really great guys who taught me how to be a leader,” Hopson said.
“Every leader has to be a follower at some point. I’m just taking what I learn from those guys and implement them on our team.”
While the FiberXers are on a high with the dominant win, Atienza said the squad must not be contended.
“This is just one game. For tonight, it’s good, but in basketball you’re just as good as your last game. We are happy but we try not to be contended,” said Atienza.