Cone calls Thompson 'future' of Ginebra franchise

MANILA, Philippines – Coach Tim Cone knows Barangay Ginebra already has a loaded backcourt, but he said he just can’t afford to pass up on Perpetual Help’s do-it-all guard Scottie Thompson in the first round.

Cone described the six-foot Thompson as an “uncommon talent” and the “future” of the Gin Kings.

“I think he’s (Thompson) an uncommon talent. We debated between him and Norbert (Torres), but we just felt Scottie is too good to pass up,” said Cone, who selected Thompson as the fifth overall pick in the Gatorade PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday at the Robinson’s Place Manila Activity Center.

The American likened Thompson, the reigning MVP, to Johnny Abarrientos, who was drafted third overall by Alaska in 1993, back when Cone was still handling the Milkmen.

“We like to get a big man, but Scottie was just too special. He’s kinda like Johnny in 1993,” recalled Cone.

“We had a lot of guards like Frankie Lim, Eric Altamirano, and then, we had Ric-ric Marata, but Johnny was just too good and we couldn’t let him go. So we did the same thing with Scottie,” he added.

The 22-year-old Thompson, one of the leading MVP contenders in this season’s NCAA, averaged near triple-double numbers of 14.0 points, 11.4 rebounds and 8.9 assists for the Altas during the first round.

He registered his third triple-double this season after finishing with 13 points, 13 rebounds and 17 assists to help Perpetual pull off an 86-83 overtime win over Jose Rizal University last week.

Cone said he doesn’t expect Thompson to join the team for the time being, hopeful that his prized rookie will cap his college career with an NCAA title at Perpetual.

“We’re not gonna have Scottie right away. He can go back to the NCAA and try to win the champ for my man, coach Aric (del Rosario),” said the 57-year-old Cone.

“Nothing would be better for me than to win a champ with coach A. So that will be his focus till he’s done, till he’s ready,” he added.

“He’s our future so we’re not gonna rush him. But he’s certainly our future.”

Aside from Thompson, Ginebra also drafted rookies Aljon Mariano and Lee Villamor in the second and third rounds, respectively.