Tim Cone likens rookie Thompson to Johnny A, christens him as 'the future' of Ginebra

With Barangay Ginebra already stacked at the guard rotation, coach Tim Cone headed into the 2015 PBA draft looking for a wing or a bigman.

At No. 5, he could have picked La Salle slotman Norbert Torres, but one look at reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player Scottie Thompson and the recently-minted Gin King mentor did not hesitate.

"I think he's an uncommon talent," said the coach. "We just thought he was too good to pass up. We'd like another big man, but Scottie was just too special."

In selecting the University of Perpetual Help guard, Cone was pleasantly reminded of drafting Johnny Abarrientos at third overall for Alaska 22 years ago.

The Flying A then went on to win championships for the Milkmen, including the 1996 Grand Slam, and Cone believes that Thompson has the potential to achieve the same greatness.

"Kinda like Johnny in 1993. We had a lot of guards, but Johnny was just too good and we couldn't let him go. It's the same thing about Scottie," said the coach.

Cone said it also helps that Thompson has experience in running the triangle offense under Perpetual coach Aric Del Rosario.

"I think he's a natural two that's been converted to one. Those are the triangle guys that we look for," he said. "I think he'll do really well with the triangle."

Thompson will not be joining Ginebra practices until he finishes his NCAA stint, but Cone is willing to wait for him.

"He's our future; we're not gonna rush him. He's certainly our future." - RAF, GMA News/Photo by KC Cruz