Cone able to keep track of Thompson with Racela watching over Ginebra rookie
Scottie Thompson with Ginebra head coach Tim Cone during the PBA Rookie Draft last month. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Scottie Thompson has yet to practice with Barangay Ginebra with the NCAA still ongoing.
And all the while Thompson is trying to steer University of Perpetual Help’s championship drive, Kings head coach Tim Cone makes sure he keeps tabs on his rookie even if it means asking someone in his coaching staff to do it for him.
And that’s the job of Olsen Racela, who is among Cone’s assistant coaches. He also happens to be a color commentator in the NCAA that allows him to keep track of Thompson.
“Since andito ako, I’m more of an observer, tinitignan ko yung nilalaro nya,” the San Miguel Beer legend said.
Racela said that Cone told Thompson to stay focused on his campaign with the Altas and not let his impending rise to the pros get in the way of his goal to lead his school to a title.
Racela is also being treated to a show every time Thompson plays.
“The transition from a two-guard to a point guard is a bit hard. But for Scottie Thompson, nagugulat ako sa mga ginagawa nya sa loob lalo na pag sya ang nagdadala ng bola. Nagiging threat ang mga kasama nya dahil sa kanya because of the way he passes,” he said.
“That’s what coach Tim saw in him – how he involves his teammates during the game, his unselfishness, and his rebounding.”
In Perpetual Help’s last game, Thompson chalked up his sixth triple-double of the season with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 70-47 demolition of St. Benilde.
Racela hopes there won’t be a lot of adjustments to be made on the part of Thompson from the current system he plays in with the Altas to Cone’s Triangle Offense with the Kings.
“Scottie is playing for coach Aric (del Rosario) who was an assistant of coach Tim before.”
“May semblance ng triangle ang Perpetual. Hopefully, di mahirapan mag-adjust si Scottie sa amin dahil pagpasok nya, nag-uumpisa na ang PBA. Dahil dun sa background, sana di sya mahirapan mag-adjust.”
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