PBA: Scottie Thompson ready to serve as Teytey Teodoro's mentor in Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines – Entering his fourth season with Barangay Ginebra, Scottie Thompson believes he is ready to be a mentor to his new teammates.

"Siyempre, three years na rin ako sa Ginebra," said Thompson, who was selected fifth overall by the Gin Kings in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft. "I think may chance na rin akong maka-guide sa mga bagong players namin."

One of the players he has taken under his wing is Teytey Teodoro, whom the Gin Kings signed to a one-conference contract ahead of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup.

Thompson knows Teodoro well from their battles in the NCAA, where he played for University of Perpetual Help while the latter suited up for Jose Rizal University (JRU).

Their collegiate rivalry has been shoved to the side now, however, as Teodoro looks to Thompson for advice as he navigates the early goings of his professional career.

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"Lagi akong kay Kuya LA (Tenorio) nagre-rely eh, 'tsaka kay Scottie. Mas kabisado nila 'yung system," said Teodoro after Ginebra's first game of the conference, a 90-79 win over TNT KaTropa last Sunday.

"Kahit sa practice, mas sila 'yung pinagtatanungan ko," he added. "Sina Scottie at Kuya LA."

Thompson, for his part, is happy to be of help.

"Lahat ng mga tanong niya, kung anong tanong niya, sinasagot ko. Gina-guide ko siya," said Thompson, who was the league's Most Improved Player last year.

"Nakakatuwa kasi ang bilis ng panahon. Rookie pa lang ako dati, ngayon nagga-guide na ako sa kanila," he noted.

Teodoro had been solid in his first game, putting up 4 points in under 8 minutes of playing time. He earned praise from Ginebra coach Tim Cone, and Thompson also lauded their rookie for staying ready.

But Thompson is also hoping to see the Teodoro that took the NCAA by storm with his high-scoring ways and crunch time heroics.

"Gusto kong makita 'yung pamamaril niya sa NCAA," Thompson said.

"Alam namin na scorer talaga si Teytey, so ang laking tulong niya ngayon sa amin sa team, especially wala si Kuya Jeff (Chan)," he added. "Sana ma-motivate pa siya lalo, work hard pa para mas tumaas ang playing time niya. Earn niya lang sa practice."

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