Scottie Thompson and Jesse Evangelio played for Davao region in the 2010 Palarong Pambansa. 15 years later, the latter won the gold as a coach.
PBA star Scottie Thompson could not help but be proud of coach Jess Evangelio after the latter steered Davao region to the 2025 Palarong Pambansa secondary boys basketball gold Friday, May 30.
It turned out, Thompson and Evangelio go a long way back.
“Truly proud sa Davao region, especially kay coach Jess. Nakasama ko siya representing Davao, I think, in 2010,” said the Ginebra main man after his squad's 73-82 loss to Meralco in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup match also on Friday.
Thompson was referring to the Tarlac edition of the multi-sport spectacle, where their Davao team made the quarterfinals but faltered against Cebu.
Though the duo ended up empty-handed then, Evangelio made sure he would get the gold this time as coach of the Ateneo de Davao team representing the region.
“Ibinigay ni God sa kaniya as a coach na nakuha 'yong gold medal. As a Davaoeño, proud ako sa kaniya at sa whole team. History sa'min 'yon,” said Thompson of the first-time champion team post-pandemic.
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This brought back happy memories for the former PBA Most Valuable Player.
Without his Palaro stint, Thompson would probably not end up as the face of the Ginebra franchise today.
“That’s the turning point sa career ko. I think, without Palarong Pambansa, hindi ako makararating sa Manila, hindi ako makukuha ng Perpetual. Doon ako na-scout,” Thompson said.
“Malaking bagay 'yong Palarong Pambansa lalong-lalo ngayon kasi mas malaki ang exposure sa mga games ngayon sa mga bata.”
It did not take long for Thompson put on his manager hat, revealing that he reached out to some players from Davao’s golden team.
Thompson is Perpetual’s team manager.
“Well, may kinakausap kami. Sana. Alam naman nating bakbakan sa pagkuha ng players,” Thompson said.
He added in jest: “Sana madaan ko sa pakiusap 'yong teammate ko dati na 'yong mga pinakamagaling nila, makuha namin. Kung puwede, lahat, eh. Sana may makuha kami doon.”