Was Scottie Thompson's inclusion in the PBA Greatest Players list too early? Here's his take

Scottie Thompson is one of only two active players who were the newest additions to the PBA Greatest Players list.

Thompson has been in the league since 2015 and won seven PBA titles with Barangay Ginebra, two Best Player of the Conference awards (2021 Governors' and 2022-23 Commissioner's), and was the Most Valuable Player in 2021.

Despite his accolades, there was online chatter that Thompson's inclusion was too early for his career.

Do these talks affect him?

"Well, actually hindi ako masyadong nagbabasa ng negative thoughts sa social media o kung anuman," Thompson said during the PBA 50 Greatest Players induction and golden anniversary.

"Pero I truly respect everyone's comment kasi free world naman tayo so lahat may puwedeng sabihin, pangit man 'yun o maganda, I totally respect lahat ng kung anumang sinasabi nila," he said.

[Well, actually, I don't really read the negative thoughts on social media or whatever... But I truly respect everyone's comment because it's a free world so every is allowed to have their say, whether it's negative or positive, I totally respect everyone for what they have to say.]

Scottie Thompson on being included in the PBA Greatest Players @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/UxZHqNy84D

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) April 11, 2025

Aside from Thompson, eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo is the only other active player to join the said list.

Still, the Barangay Ginebra star said he is just thankful to be included in the roster of PBA greats.

"Unang-una, totally shocked kasi hindi naman talaga lahat nabibigyan ng opportunity but truly honored and blessed sa ganitong opportunity. Early sa career ko, napasama ako rito," he said.

"Nadagdagan 'yung motivation ko na mas pag-igihan pa and mas paghirapan pa lahat kasi marami pang posibleng mangyari sa career ko."

[First, I was totally shocked because not everyone is given an opportunity like this but truly honored and blessed for this. Early in my career, I'm already part of this... This just adds motivation for me to work harder at everything because there's still a lot more possible to do in my career.]

—JMB, GMA Integrated News