Some things are bigger than basketball.
The PBA’s reigning MVP has conquered pretty much every challenge that has come his way. But Scottie Thompson is honest enough to admit that his greatest challenge is just about to come. And no, it has nothing to do with hoops.
It’s that thing called fatherhood.
“Ito na 'yung start ng pinaka-challenge sa buhay ko. Magiging father na ako,” Thompson told Martie Bautista of News5 in a chance interview on Monday night at the grand ballroom of the Diamond Hotel, where the Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards Night was held.
Thompson was among the honorees that night, having been named Mr. Basketball to join the likes of six-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo and Gilas legend Jimmy Alapag.
“Motivated ako kay baby,” added Thompson. He also offered a special shoutout to his wife, Jinkee, whom he credits for helping him soar to unimaginable heights in his already impressive career.
“Thankful ako sa wife ko, 'yung support niya, all out,” Thompson said. “Hinahayaan niya akong lumipad sa career ko. Without her, siguro wala rin ako sa sitwasyon na 'to ngayon.”
The situation Thompson is in is the stuff dreams are made of: a still growing career, baby number one on the way, and a lovely wife.
But, according to Jinkee, Thompson is returning the favor by being the best man of the house he can be, especially now that she is expecting.
“In fairness to him, after ng practices, kapag nasa bahay na siya, he makes sure na 100% [ng] time, sa akin at kay baby. Off the court, all around siya sa house namin,” Jinkee said of her beau.
And she is expecting even more from her do-it-all husband a few months from now.
“Ngayon pa lang na buntis ako nakikita ko na kung gaano siya ka-protective sa akin at kay baby, ini-imagine ko what more paglabas ni baby,” Jinkee added.
Jinkee might be right. A motivated Scottie can pretty much do anything on the court. He can probably do the same off the court.