Jaworski and Cone believe Thompson should be emulated by every player
REBOUNDING has become an ordinary trait in the game of basketball, but for a guard like Scottie Thompson, he turned this important element of the into a work of art.
No wonder, fans would always applaud and cherish him each time he goes high to snare a board.
So amazing was Mr. Thompson’s work ethic that it even caught the fancy of no less than Robert Jaworski, the former player/coach of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, who embodies that old never-say-die spirit.
A PBA Hall of Famer and member of the 40 Greatest Players, Mr. Jaworski was considered as the best rebounding guard in the 42-year-history of Asia’s first professional basketball league.
That is until Scottie Thompson, another Ginebra player, has emerged to become the Big J’s likely heir apparent.
On Sunday’s Game 4, Mr. Jaworski was in attendance to witness the Gin Kings’ return to the championship round and shared his thoughts on the do-it-all guard who has been loved and adored by the Gin Kings’ legions of fans for his work ethic.
“That’s how everybody should work,” Mr. Jaworski told BusinessWorld in an interview. “You’re not only out there to shoot, but you’ve got to go for that rebound and do everything you can. That’s a very good attitude.”
Mr. Thompson easily became the most admired player among the Gin Kings and proof of that is his marketability. His replica jersey, which is being sold at Andok’s outlets, is the most salable, even better than Mr. Jaworski’s own jersey.
He is now considered as the best rebounding guard in the league and he would drew oohs and cheers from the crowd every time he gets high to collar the board.
“I hope he continuously do that,” added Mr. Jaworski. “He’s gonna go places.”
In the past, Mr. Jaworski made a name for himself as the best rebounding guard and the Living Legend of Philippine Basketball sees a great deal of himself to the modern day king of the boards among small men.
“When you’re there, you’ve got to do what the situation calls,” said Mr. Jaworski. “That includes running, jumping, boxing out, and rebounding, which is very important.”
“It’s amazing because he’s not one of those guys who are over 6-5.”
But for the first ever playing coach in the PBA, he believes Mr. Thompson should also be more active in offense as well.
With the Gin Kings offense centered on big men Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar and Joe Devance and import Justin Brownlee, Mr. Thompson concentrated on doing some of the things where he would be more effective like rebounding and assisting.
“From time to time, he has to make a decision to shoot as well,” added Mr. Jaworski. “When you get that ball, it’s not that you’re looking for somebody to pass. If you have that opportunity, take it.”
Tim Cone, an avid Jaworski fan and current mentor of the reigning defending champions, has his own theory as to why Mr. Thompson’s tenacity on rebounding gets appreciated by fans.
“He’s not even as tall as 6-foot-5 so when you a small guy lording on top of everyone, then he easily gets appreciated. He’s something. He never gets tired,” added Mr. Cone.
For Mr. Thompson, hearing the fans roaring every time he goes for a rebound keeps him pumped up.
“I appreciate the love being shown by the fans. It keeps me motivated to work hard every game,” added Thompson. —