MANILA, Philippines – Ginebra rookie Scottie Thompson drew some of the loudest cheers from their huge gallery at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, as the versatile guard again impressed in their PBA Governors' Cup semi-final game against San Miguel.

Outside of Japeth Aguilar's hammer dunks, it was Thompson's rebounding, slashing, and playmaking that generated the most oohs and aahs from the crowd. He orchestrated a stunning run in the fourth quarter, assisting on easy baskets to veteran Mark Caguioa three consecutive times to help the Gin Kings claim a double-digit lead.

Thompson, a former NCAA Most Valuable Player, wound up with a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds, while also registering six assists, in Ginebra's 115-108 victory in Game 1 of the best-of-five semis series.

"Si Scottie, 'di na ako nagugulat diyan," veteran Ginebra guard LA Tenorio told reporters after the game. "Every game, ganyan na 'yan eh. Every practice, ganyan na 'yan eh. Kung ano ang nakikita niyo sa game, ganyan siya sa practice."

"Hindi ko nga alam kung paano niya ginagawa 'yun eh. Hindi namin alam," Tenorio added with a laugh.

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After seeing his minutes managed during the All-Filipino Cup and the Commissioner's Cup, Thompson has been unleashed in the season-ending conference, and he has made the most of his minutes. He averaged 8.3 rebounds per game in the elimination round – the most among Ginebra locals. The rookie added 5.1 points and 3.1 assists in an average of 23.9 minutes per contest.

"We're happy that he is getting his time and his confidence," Tenorio said of Thompson. "Hindi na ako nagugulat, and natutuwa nga ako kasi mas less pressure sa akin."

Thompson, for his part, credited the system of Ginebra coach Tim Cone and his veteran teammates for his much improved play in the Governors' Cup.

"Sistema na ni Coach Tim," he said. "And 'yung motivation ng mga beterano sa akin, 'yung tiwwala, 'yun ang nagdadala kaya gumaganda ang laro ko."

"Thankful ako sa kanila," he added.

Though just in his first year in the PBA, Thompson is not playing like a rookie, at least according to Tenorio. The next step for the former University of Perpetual Help standout is to be more aggressive in looking for his own offense, said the veteran.

"Talagang pinu-push ko si Scottie to score sometimes, kasi minsan, he looks to pass, or gusto n'ya rumebound lang," said Tenorio. "Pero matututunan niya rin 'yun."

"Hopefully, magtuloy-tuloy. 'Yun lang ang gusto namin, kung ano ang ginagawa ni Scottie, 'yun lang ang gawin niya every game. Alam niya ang role niya eh," he added. "He's a leader inside the court, by doing kung ano ang role niya."

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