Ginebra rookie Scottie Thompson eager to learn Triangle system

MANILA, Philippines -- Rookie guard Scottie Thompson is taking a “sponge-like” approach as he moves on from his unsuccessful NCAA stint to the PBA through Barangay Ginebra.

Selected fifth overall by the Gin Kings in the rookie draft last August, the six-foot Thompson spent his first days at practice learning the intricacies of the triangle offense by listening to coach Tim Cone and veterans like LA Tenorio and Jayjay Helterbrand.

“Sobrang wine-welcome nila (Ginebra veterans) kaming mga rookies sa practice saka, hindi naman ako nagmamadali kasi ngayon, rookie pa lang ako, gusto ko lang matuto kina coach saka sa mga veterans,” Thompson told Philstar.com.

Dubbed the NCAA’s “Mr. Triple-double” for his all-around play this season, Thompson admitted he was “thrown into the fire” during his brief stint last Wednesday in Ginebra’s 92-81 victory over San Miguel Beer in a tuneup game.

San Miguel veteran playmaker Chris Ross stuck like a glue on the freshman combo guard during his five-minute stint as Thompson struggled to get his game going.

“Expected ko naman iyun (tight defense by Ross). Pero iba talaga sa PBA, naninibago ako. Sana maka-adjust na rin ako,” he said.

And since he’ll be going up against bigger, stronger and more athletic players in the PBA, the 2014 NCAA Most Valuable Player said he needs to get stronger to withstand the constant banging.

“Hindi naman siguro magpalaki, pero kailangan ko magpatigas pa siguro ng katawan,” explained the native of Digos City, Davao del Sur.

Thompson’s NCAA season came to an end last week when Perpetual bowed to Letran, 93-64 that eliminated the Altas from Final Four contention.