PBA Draft Focus: NCAA MVP wants to try his luck in the PBA
Even before his duties for Perpetual Help in NCAA season 91 ends, Scottie Thompson could be drafted into the PBA.
But the reigning NCAA MVP is not even sure he would get picked.
“I can’t say I’m ready, I think there’s a very small chance of getting drafted. Nothing is certain,” Thompson said.
READ: Talk N’ Text to select 1st in 2015 PBA Rookie Draft
While he is arguably one of the best players in the NCAA, Thomspon doesn’t think he’s a shoo-in especially with this year’s deep draft class.
“We don’t know what the team wants, what players the coaches like. There are so many outstanding players out there. I’m just taking a crack at it.”
Thompson’s stellar play in NCAA season 90 got him a spot in the Gilas Cadets which won the gold medal in the basketball tournament of the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.
READ: For collegiate sports updates, visit INQUIRER Varsity
Before declaring for the draft, the Digos City had to ask for advice from his Gilas teammates whether he’s ready to make the jump to the pros or not.
“I asked my teammates in Gilas and they told me ‘yes, you’re ready for it,’” Thompson said. “I asked my agent, my coaches, they all gave me their support.”
Thompson, whose father is a local basketball star turned seaman, said he’s surprising his parents about joining the drafted slated on August 23.
“They still don’t know yet. They know I’m joining the PBA Draft, but they don’t know when,” Thompson said. “They would be surprised as the draft is this August.”
READ: Thompson wants father to retire if he makes a career in PBA
As he hopes of one day bringing his trickery to the PBA, he said he wants his father to stay put in the Philippines once he makes a solid career in the pros.
“If that time comes, I want him to watch me live. I’ll always think of him, he’s my inspiration,” Thompson said. “If I make it in the PBA, I would want him to stop working.”
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
