By REYNALD MAGALLON
From out of nowhere, Scottie Thompson saved the ball which was on its way out after a Kai Sotto airball. He completed it and then issued a pass to Chris Newsome for an inside basket.
It was not a booming trey or thunderous dunk.
But that sequence exactly typified the Thompson’s impact for Gilas as his hustle play had the entire 11,686 in attendance up on their feet and cheering in frenzy – even triggering a pivotal 16-0 run in the third frame in the process.
For head coach Tim Cone, there wasn’t any shade of doubt that Thompson is the perfect fit for Gilas – more so in international play.
“I remember this time very distinctly, there was a lot of talk about Scottie can’t play in the international game. There’s a lot of people who say that he cannot play in the international game because he can’t shoot but in my mind and his mind, there’s never been any doubt,” stressed Cone.
And the game against New Zealand was the resounding proof.
Thompson showed what Gilas missed in the Olympic Qualifying tournament in Latvia, with an all-around effort of 12 points, six assists and four rebounds on top of the many little deflections, hustle plays and defensive efforts in the 93-89 win over the Tall Blacks.
“I think the thing with Scottie is you look at the video all you want but until you get into the floor and play against him you don’t realize what he’s doing out there on the floor for you,” said Cone.
“In terms of his tremendous rebounding, I think that’s what gets the most print but his defense is spot on and his hustle on the defensive side is spot on,” he added.
On top of providing the intangibles, Thompson also proved doubters wrong and had crucial triples in the game against New Zealand. He had two against the Tall Blacks on a 40-percent clip.
“He’s really, really worked hard on improving his shot so he’s not a guy you can step off 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 with perpetual,” said Cone.
As long as his partnership with Thompson, Cone neither never once doubted nor get surprised with his Ginebra playmakers impact on the game. But that is not to say that he’s not being amused. In fact he’s always left in awe with everything the Gilas guard does.
“To me, it’s not a surprise but because it’s not a surprise doesn’t make it not amazing. (It is) still amazing, the things he does but it’s not a surprise for us, not for Kai or his teammates,” Cone added.
