Ginebra rookie Thompson surprised by All-Star selection

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel rookie Scottie Thompson was living a dream as he sat beside Asi Taulava and James Yap at the PBA All-Star press conference on Thursday at Novotel Cubao.

The 23-year-old point guard was voted one of the starters of the South team in the All-Star game, a huge achievement for a player who has not even played a full season in the league.

His inclusion came as a pleasant surprise for Thompson, who said the idea of being part of the All-Star weekend never even crossed his mind.

"Talagang close-minded ako sa All-Star ngayon kasi di ko expect as a rookie tapos naging first five pa ako," he said.

The No. 5 overall pick in the draft that he initially planned to spend the break to train harder and improve his play to help the Gin Kings in the Governors' Cup.

"Sobrang laking gulat ko," said Thompson. "Nagulat ako nung pag announce kasama pala ako so wala na akong time magpalakas pa para sa team ko."

The former NCAA Most Valuable Player, however, said he felt honored to be part of the festivities and spend time with his childhood idols like James Yap and Mark Caguioa.

"Dati palang, sa Davao pa ako, pinapanood ko lang sila. So it's a big experience sa akin na makalaro sa All-Star game," he said.

Thompson is joined by Taulava, Yap, June Mar Fajardo, and Joe Devance in the South team coached by Leo Austria.

They will play against the North squad of Caguioa, Japeth Aguilar, Marc Pingris, Calvin Abueva, and Terrence Romeo, who will be Thompson's match-up at the point guard position.

"Excited ako kasi Terrence Romeo talagang isa sa mga best guards sa PBA so siguro I take this challenge as a motivation na lang for myself," said the rookie.

The North and South All-Stars will clash on Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. —JST, GMA News