After 2nd ‘Most Improved’ trophy, Scottie still looking to be better

SCOTTIE Thompson has won his share of Most Improved Player awards in his career.

On Sunday, Thompson was named the Most Improved Player during the PBA Leo Awards aside from his second Mythical Team selection in three seasons with Barangay Ginebra.

It was actually the second MIP award for the high-flying Thompson, who won his first one during his time with Perpetual Help in the NCAA in 2012.

“I think through hardwork sa practices, ‘yung mga pinaghihirapan ko, nag-pay off,” said Thompson, who was taken at No. 5 overall by Ginebra in the 2015 PBA draft.

“’Yun naman ang mentality ko. Bonus na lang ‘yung mga pagkakataon awards.”

On his way to winning the award, the 25-year-old guard averaged 9.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.4 steals for Ginebra.

After winning the Most Improved Player award, Thompson said he still finds room for improvement in his fourth year with the Kings.

“For me, focus ako sa conference at sa year na ‘to. Step by step kung ano pa ang puwede kong maimprove,” said the 25-yearold Thompson.

Thompson thanked the entire members of the Barangay Ginebra team for making the two awards possible while making special mention of head coach Tim Cone and veterans LA Tenorio and Mark ganitong na may Caguioa who he considers his mentors.

“Thankful ako kay God na binigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makuha ‘yung award. Credit din sa mga coaches at sa mga teammates sa tiwala na binibigay sa akin especially ‘yung mga mentors ko like Kuya LA, Kuya Mark na nandiyan lagi sa aming mga bago through ups and downs sa career namin,” said Thompson.

“Sa coaching staff, si coach Tim, si coach Olsen (Racela), coach Freddie (Abuda), coach Kirk (Collier), coach Richard (Del Rosario), lahat-lahat sila pati mga ball boys namin, PTS, lahat nagsakripisyo, at sa management, boss Al (Chua), boss RSA (Ramon Ang), at sa family ko,” Thompson said./spin.ph