Thompson claims MVP trophy; Williams top rookie

MANILA, Philippines, June 6 ------ The do-it-all-guard largely considered as the “new face of Barangay Ginebra” is now the top dog in the PBA. Gin Kings star Scottie Thompson formalized his new-found status by hoisting the coveted Season 46 Most Valuable Player trophy to loud applause from fans and peers alike during yesterday’s PBA Leo Awards.

Thompson, the first guard to win the coveted plum since Ginebra great Mark Caguiao in Season 37, said this achievement should serve as an example of how a role player like himself can make it big through persistence. “When I started with Ginebra talagang role player ako. I hope ma-inspire ko yung mga kabataan na hindi lang talagang pagalingan sa basketball. Basta may puso ka, disiplina, hard work, faith kay God, hindi malabong makakuha ng ganitong award,” he said.

The top individual plum was the cherry on top of Thompson’s memorable 2021-22 season that saw him cop the Best Player of the Conference and Finals MVP awards plus the championship in the Governors’ Cup. “Hindi ako makapaniwala. Early stage ng career ko binigay sa akin ni God itong MVP,” said Thompson, in his sixth season in the league.

The former NCAA MVP from Perpetual Help piled up 2,836 points from stats and votes from players, media and the PBA to beat TNT’s Mikey Williams (1,332), NorthPort’s Robert Bolick (1,295) and Magnolia’s Calvin Abueva (1,066) for the Leo Trophy. “Truly honored and blessed sa award na ito. Malaking achievement ito at confidence booster. Actually, kahit hindi ko nakuha ang award, yung makasama lang sa top candidates, malaki nang boost sa confidence,” said Thompson. He was joined in the Mythical First Team by Williams, Abueva, six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer and NorthPort’s Arwind Santos.

Bolick headlined the Mythical Second Team with SMB’s CJ Perez, Ginebra’s Christian Standhardinger, Phoenix’s Matthew Wright, and Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang. Williams, meanwhile, was feted as Rookie of the Year while Juami Tiongson of Terrafirma received the Most Improved Player accolade. Meralco’s Cliff Hodge, Santos, TnT’s Kelly Williams, Magnolia’s Jio Jalalon and SMB’s Chris Ross composed the All-Defensive Team while NLEX’ Kevin Alas was handed the Sportsmanship Award during the hour-long ceremonies preceding the Season 47 opening.

Source: philstar.com