Barangay Ginebra star Scottie Thompson. Photo from PBA Images. 

MANILA — Scottie Thompson has been slowly but surely getting back in form for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

The 6-foot-1, one-time PBA MVP was a vital cog for the Gin Kings in their Season 49 Governors' Cup semifinals triumph against the San Miguel Beermen, with Thompson posting 13.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and half a block in their six-game encounter. 

These were good signs for the perennial crowd darlings as after starting the conference while still feeling the effects of his back injury that previously sidelined him in the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia, Thompson has now been able to do his usual all-around showing for the Finals-bound Kings. 

READ: Ginebra ousts San Miguel, sets up Govs' Cup finals rematch with TNT

"Yun talaga yung wish ko, na maging healthy ako throughout the whole conference," said Thompson, who had 22 markers, eight boards, five dimes, and two steals in Game 5, before pacing BGSM in what turned out to be the series-clinching game with a 10-point, 14-rebound game on top of four assists, a steal, and a block.

These numbers were far from how Thomspon started the season, as the former University of Perpetual Help System DALTA star only scored a combined 15 points and shot 6-of-26 in their first three assignments.

What changed for the Digos City native? He was finally able to do his usual pre-game preparations — something that was previously affected by his back issues. 

"Pag healthy ako, mas nakakapag prepare ako ng maayos," pointed out the Gilas Pilipinas guard. "As long as I'm healthy, nagagawa ko lahat ng preparations before games. It's not just about performance sa games na, it's all about preparations eh."

But despite now being able to do what he does best, the Ginebra mainstay understands that it will take even a lot more as they face the TNT Tropang GIGA in the Govs' Cup Finals.

"Healthy na ako, pero it will be a total team effort," emphasized Thompson. 

"Man down kami, wala si Joe [Devance], so nabigyan rin ako ng extra motivation para mas sipagan ko pa lalo," he said of the returning JDV, who unfortunately suffered a left knee injury in Game 5. "Yung sacrifice ni Joe sa amin, grabe. Kung ‘di dahil sa kanya, walang katulong si Japeth [Aguilar]."

READ: Ginebra-TNT Govs’ Cup Finals rematch a story of redemption, contrasting styles

Fortunately, the Gin Kings have new weapons to flex in their seven-game series with the defending champions — rookie RJ Abarrientos and their newest Swiss army knife Stephen Holt. 

"Si RJ, talagang parang beterano na maglaro lalo na dahil sa experience niya sa international scene," Scottie said of Abarrientos who tallied his career-best in the league of 28 markers, also in Game 5.

"Si Holt, he's a winner. He will do everything kahit ano man yan. Never nagreklamo yan. May winning mentality siya. Ganda ng addition niya sa amin, and especially, import stopper yan. Malaki man or ka-size niya, talagang andiyan siya."

"Very big additions sila sa amin, no doubt," Thompson added.

Scottie, RJ, Holt, and the rest of the Gin Kings will begin their seven-game affair with TNT on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

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