Earl Scottie Carreon Thompson (born July 12, 1993) is a Filipino professional basketball player for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He is also the team manager for the Perpetual Altas of the Philippines' NCAA.
Early life and high school career edit
Thompson was born on July 12, 1993, and was named after Scottie Pippen as his father is a big Chicago Bulls fan.[1] Thompson has American roots through his paternal great-grandfather.[2]
Thompson started playing basketball when he was in elementary, but his game took off during his senior year in high school when he played in the Palarong Pambansa (representing Region XI) and was chosen for the Nike Elite Camp.[3] According to him, he had no scholarship offers from top collegiate schools except for Perpetual Help.[4]
College career edit
Thompson played college basketball at the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas of the NCAA. In his rookie season, he was the Altas' sixth man, averaging 6.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 18.3 minutes per game. During his MVP year in 2014, he posted an impressive stat line of 26.5 PPG and 10.0 RPG, while leading the Altas to the Final Four. He was also included in the Mythical 5 selection in that same season.[5] Despite dishing off triple-double performances for the Altas, he ended his college career in 2015 after his school bowed out of the Final Four contention.[6]
In 2023, Perpetual retired Thompson's jersey #6.[7]
Amateur career edit
Thompson suited up for the Hapee Fresh Fighters in the PBA D-League, where he teamed up with fellow college standouts and future draft batchmates Troy Rosario, Baser Amer, Garvo Lanete and Chris Newsome.[8] Behind his heroics, he helped the Fresh Fighters win its first ever PBA D-League title in 2015.[9]
Professional career edit
Thompson was drafted fifth overall in the 2015 PBA draft by the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.[10] In his first game as a pro, he scored 5 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals in 16 minutes of play in a 78–86 loss over the Purefoods Star Hotshots.[11] Despite the fact that he only practiced with the team for less than a week and with the limited minutes he's given, his stellar play earned him praises from coach Tim Cone.[12] In his third career game back on November 7, 2015, Thompson recorded 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in just 14 minutes of playing time in a 93–92 win over the Alaska Aces.[13] On December 5, Thompson almost recorded a triple-double after putting up 9 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in 102–94 win over the Blackwater Elite.[14] In the semifinals of 2016 PBA Governors' Cup, he registered a triple double performance long after Johnny Abarientos era. He was awarded later the 2016 All-Rookie Team.
In 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals, he was awarded the PBA Finals MVP.[15] He eventually won the 2018 PBA Mythical Second Team and PBA Most Improved Player awards.
In 2021 PBA Governors' Cup, Thompson won his first PBA Best Player of the Conference Award.[16] In the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup Finals, he won his sixth PBA title and was judged as the Finals MVP for the second time of his career.[17] In June 5, 2022, he was awarded the 2021 PBA Mythical First Team and the 2021 PBA Most Valuable Player.[18]
In January 6, 2023, Thompson was awarded with his second Best Player of the Conference award, this time in the 2022–23 PBA Commissioner's Cup.[19] In November 5, 2023, he was included in the 2022–23 PBA Mythical First Team for the second straight season.[20]
National team career edit
Thompson was part of the 12-man Sinag Pilipinas lineup that competed in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games and 2015 SEABA Championship, both held in Singapore, where they won gold medals in both occasions.[21][22][23][24]
Thompson was included in the 21-man pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup,[25] where he was eventually included in the final 12-man lineup.[26]
PBA career statistics edit
| Legend | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field-goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field-goal percentage | FT% | Free-throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
As of the end of 2022–23 season[27]
Season-by-season averages edit
| Year | Team | GP | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | Barangay Ginebra | 49 | 21.5 | .384 | .264 | .606 | 5.1 | 3.2 | .5 | .1 | 5.5 |
| 2016–17 | Barangay Ginebra | 64 | 30.5 | .459 | .271 | .565 | 7.8 | 4.4 | 1.0 | .2 | 8.5 |
| 2017–18 | Barangay Ginebra | 57 | 34.1 | .445 | .320 | .687 | 9.0 | 5.6 | 1.4 | .3 | 9.3 |
| 2019 | Barangay Ginebra | 52 | 31.9 | .439 | .311 | .538 | 7.3 | 5.0 | 1.3 | .4 | 8.3 |
| 2020 | Barangay Ginebra | 22 | 36.5 | .439 | .329 | .689 | 8.8 | 5.8 | 1.1 | .4 | 11.0 |
| 2021 | Barangay Ginebra | 33 | 38.3 | .479 | .363 | .700 | 9.0 | 5.4 | 1.2 | .9 | 13.9 |
| 2022–23 | Barangay Ginebra | 60 | 37.8 | .490 | .358 | .681 | 7.7 | 6.0 | 1.6 | .6 | 13.9 |
| Career | 337 | 32.5 | .455 | .323 | .636 | 7.7 | 5.0 | 1.2 | .4 | 9.8 | |
Player profile edit
Thompson is well-known for his offensive mindset and defensive versatility. In college, he accumulated several triple-doubles on account of his all-around capabilities.[28]
On offense, his scoring output is not that high, averaging just 9.8 points per game in his career because of his role on the team. However, he focuses on making his teammates better as a facilitator.[29][30] With his play-making abilities and skills, he averages 5.0 assists per game in his career.
He is also highly regarded for his rebounding efforts. At a height of 6'1, he is a great rebounder for his position and size.[31] Thompson credits his prowess to having good positioning.[32] Others credit it to his high energy and hustle.[33] He can outrebound a taller opponent due to his high vertical leap.[34] During the Governor's Cup, he was 2nd in rebounds per game among locals with nearly 10 (behind only the 6'10 June Mar Fajardo).[35] As of the end of the 2022–23 PBA season, he has managed 7.7 rebounds per game.
With that, he is often compared to Russell Westbrook of the NBA because of their similar playing style.[36][37][38][39]
Thompson is considered a lockdown defender, especially on the perimeter.[40] He is often asked to guard his opposition over a high volume of minutes.[41] He excels at forcing turnovers against opponents.
Personal life edit
Thompson founded his own barbershop, the Thompson’s Sports Hair Shop which opened in Digos in October 2016.[42] According to Thompson, he is of partial American descent as his great grandfather is African American.[43]
In August 2023, Thompson formally graduated from the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Major in Marketing Management. He also received the Dr/BGen Antonio Laperal Tamayo Leadership Plaque for Sports and Athletics award.[44]
References edit
- ^ Servinio, Anthony (October 22, 2014). "MVP For Thompson". Anthony Servinio. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ "Earl Scottie Thompson – UPHSD Altas – Game Central". Spin.ph. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ "DRAFT PROFILE: EARL SCOTTIE THOMPSON". Sports5.ph. August 20, 2015. Archived from the original on November 19, 2015. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ Villar, Joey (October 20, 2014). "From anonymity to stardom: Thompson wins NCAA MVP plum". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ Ganglani, Naveen (October 20, 2014). "Perpetual Help's Earl Scottie Thompson wins NCAA MVP award". Rappler. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ Terrado, Reuben (October 9, 2015). "Sobbing Scottie Thompson consoled by chants of 'Ginebra, Ginebra' as Altas season hits dead end". Spin.ph. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
- ^ Arbina, Dennis (February 13, 2023). "PBA MVP Scottie Thompson to have jersey retired by Perpetual". RAPPLER. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
- ^ Terrado, Reuben (October 9, 2014). "Hapee Toothpaste set to add NU's Troy Rosario to powerhouse D-League lineup". Spin.ph. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
- ^ Ganglani, Naveen (February 19, 2015). "Hapee bags D-League title behind Thompson's heroics". Rappler. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ "Moala Tautuaa goes first overall in 2015 PBA Draft". Rappler. August 23, 2015. Retrieved August 23, 2015.
- ^ "Barangay Ginebra Kings 78 at Purefoods Star Hotshots 86". October 25, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2019.
- ^ Sacamos, Karlo (October 25, 2015). "Scottie Thompson draws praise from Cone, gives Ginebra fans something to cheer about". Spin.ph. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
- ^ "Barangay Ginebra Kings 93 at Alaska Aces 92". November 7, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2019.
- ^ "Blackwater Elite 94 at Barangay Ginebra Kings 102". December 5, 2015. Retrieved August 11, 2019.
- ^ Giongco, Mark. "Scottie Thompson named PBA Finals MVP". Retrieved August 14, 2018.
- ^ "Thompson wins first BPC plum in runaway fashion". Retrieved April 13, 2022.
- ^ "Thompson adds Finals MVP to Best Player of the Conference award". Retrieved April 23, 2022.
- ^ "Scottie Thompson is Mr. MVP". Retrieved June 5, 2022.
- ^ "Thompson named Davco-Best Player of the Conference, Brownlee wins coins.ph-Best Import award". Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ "Fajardo leads list of winners in PBA Leo Awards". Retrieved November 6, 2023.
- ^ "Douthit, Ravena banner Sinag Pilipinas 12-man lineup". CNN Philippines. April 13, 2015. Archived from the original on September 26, 2015. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ "Douthit, Ravena, Parks lead Gilas lineup for SEABA tilt". InterAksyon. April 13, 2015. Archived from the original on September 4, 2015. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ Fuentebella, Josef (June 21, 2015). "Gilas Cadets win gold in SEA Games Basketball Tournament". The La Sallian. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ Fuentebella, Josef (May 12, 2015). "Gilas Cadets dominate SEABA Rivals, clinch FIBA Asia Championship berth". The La Sallian. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ Terrado, Reuben (June 6, 2023). "Clarkson, Brownlee, Kouame head 21-man Gilas pool for World Cup". spin.ph. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
- ^ Ventura, Sid (August 23, 2023). "Gilas Pilipinas confirm final 12 for FIBA World Cup". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
- ^ "Scottie Thompson Player Profile, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel - RealGM". basketball.realgm.com.
- ^ "Scottie Thompson's incredible rebounding just one his 'special skills,' says Cone".
- ^ "Gilas Pilipinas benefits as Scottie Thompson thrives in 'comfort zone'". November 11, 2022.
- ^ "Scottie Thompson: Upgraded Version of the Old School PG". February 5, 2018.
- ^ "'I haven't seen a rebounding guard like Scottie Thompson'". January 21, 2017.
- ^ "Scottie's secret to rebounding is not what you think: 'Hindi pataasan ng talon'".
- ^ "Superstar status hasn't changed do-it-all Scottie one bit, says Cone".
- ^ "Cone left amazed by Scottie's 'kalawit' rebound".
- ^ "Scottie's secret to rebounding is not what you think: 'Hindi pataasan ng talon'".
- ^ "Cone: Scottie Thompson 'reminds me of Westbrook'". August 6, 2018.
- ^ "In due time, Tim Cone expects Scottie Thompson to put up 'Westbrook numbers'".
- ^ "Scottie Thompson on challenge to put up 'Russell Westbrook numbers': 'Mahirap yun, pero wala namang imposible'".
- ^ "Cone likens Thompson's tenacity to Jaworski, Westbrook". January 20, 2017.
- ^ "Veteran basketball analyst anoints Scottie Thompson as best PBA player right now".
- ^ "Superstar status hasn't changed do-it-all Scottie one bit, says Cone".
- ^ Sacamos, Karlo (November 1, 2016). "Preparing for the future, Scottie Thompson puts up barbershop in Digos City". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved December 2, 2016.
- ^ "Reigning PBA MVP Scottie explains his Thompson lineage". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. June 10, 2022. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
- ^ Ulanday, John Bryan (August 3, 2023). "Scottie Thompson earns college degree, graduates from Perpetual". Philippine Star. Retrieved August 6, 2023.