Perpetual’s Justin Thompson on kuya Scottie: ‘Sobrang laking inspiration’

Published February 24, 2024 6:32pm

Updated February 24, 2024 6:32pm

Basketball talent runs in the Thompson family’s bloodline as Justin Thompson continues his older brother Scottie’s legacy at the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.

Justin was part of the 18-man lineup of the ALTAs in NCAA Season 99 as a reserve, but is expected to take a bigger role in Season 100.

“Sobrang laki pong [inspiration] kasi ‘yung kuya ko is Gilas member at saka MVP din sa PBA,” Justin told GMA News Online during Perpetual’s visit at the GMA Network Center for the GMA Masterclass.  

“Sobrang laki po talagang aspect ng kuya ko sa buhay ko kasi tinuturuan niya ako palagi ng experience niya sa FIBA at sa PBA at sa championship.”

(He is a big inspiration because he is part of Gilas and a PBA MVP. He is a big aspect of my life as he always teaches me his experience from FIBA and the PBA.)

Justin and Scottie’s early beginnings in basketball are connected. 

“Tinuruan ako ng papa ko nung una, naglaro kami, nagustuhan ko naman. Napanood ko si kuya sa mga liga doon sa amin, doon talaga ako nag-pursue na mag-basketball talaga ako,” Justin shared.

(My father taught me to play, then I liked it. I watched my brother in bush leagues then, that’s when I decided to really pursue basketball.)

However, as Scottie continues to create his legacy in Philippine basketball, Justin also tries to make a name of his own.

“Wala naman pong [pressure] kasi sinasabi ni kuya, wag ka ma-pressure, tiwala ka lang sa sarili mo. ‘Yun lang sinasabi ni kuya,” he said.

“Si kuya basically busy rin siya sa laro niya at sa sarili niya to improve the game. Inaano ko sa sarili ko na ‘di lang palaging hinihintay ko si kuya, dapat mag-explore din ako kasi buhay ko rin ‘yun eh,” Justin eventually added.

(There’s no pressure since even kuya is telling me that, to trust myself… He is also busy with his game so I told myself not to always wait for him. I should also explore because I have my own life.)

While Justin promises to give his best in his stint with the Las Piñas-based squad, the younger of the Thompson brothers hopes to complete the other’s unfinished business.

Back in 2015, the Scottie-led ALTAs missed the Final Four after falling short to Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the his last game. 

This is the goal that Justin wants to fulfill in his Perpetual career.

“Sana mapakita po namin, maipasok namin ‘yung Perpetual sa Final Four, especially sa Finals kasi ‘yun ang dream namin, ni kuya din kasi last NCAA niya yata, natalo sila sa Letran. Dream ko po makapasok sa Final Four at Finals.”

(I hope Perpetual enters the Final Four, especially the Finals. It’s our dream and kuya’s as well since in his last NCAA game, they lost to Letran. It’s my dream to enter the Final Four and Finals.)

—JKC, GMA Integrated News